Home Improvement Fanatics Cutting Corners

MEDIA RELEASE
24 May 2011


Home Improvement Fanatics Cutting Corners

Hundreds injured annually through lack of basic safety gear

STIHL Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week 2011

Countless Kiwi DIY enthusiasts continue to place themselves in danger when performing ‘a quick fix' by wearing no safety equipment at all.

STIHL Chainsaw Awareness Week, with support from ACC, is aiming to educate chainsaw users to value their personal safety and understand that a chainsaw can be a dangerous tool when you don’t follow basic safety rules. A major ongoing issue is the lack of safety gear worn by the occasional user.

A small additional purchase of chaps, protective glasses and ear muffs which ensure safety, is evident value for money, while having an accident and compromising your quality of life is a guaranteed rip off.

Each year ACC receives over 200 new claims for people who have injured themselves when using a chainsaw. These aren't workplace injuries, but ones that happen to everyday people who are doing things like trimming trees, or clearing out their section.

"Professionals in the forestry sector would never use a chainsaw without wearing appropriate safety gear. These guys know that if things go wrong and there's nothing between you and a spinning blade, the results can be horrific", says Don Ramsay, Programme Manager for ACC.

Nine time STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Champion Jason Wynyard, the national face of STIHL Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week, says most Kiwi blokes are too relaxed about using their chainsaw, launching into the hard graft without a care in the world.

"Most guys think that safety equipment isn't essential, especially for quick jobs in the backyard. They also don't see it as a worthwhile even though it’s a small investment that can pay off big time if you find yourself in an unsafe situation," says Jason.

"This attitude is exactly why preventable injuries occur. It only takes five minutes to get sorted in your safety gear - getting injured can happen to anyone, we're not made of steel."

"It's simple - get some chaps to cover your legs, gloves to protect your hands, and a helmet, steel capped boots and eye and ear protection. That way, if the unexpected does happen, the chances of getting seriously injured are much less. And like anything, if you don't think you' re up to the job, get a professional in", says Don Ramsay.

STIHL Marketing Manager Sophie Wardrop agrees, "safety equipment isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. You wouldn't buy a car without brakes, so why would you buy a chainsaw without safety gear. It's a small long-term investment.”

To support the simple yet essential steps for safe chainsaw operation, STIHL are offering Safety Packs containing chainsaw chaps, safety glasses and earmuffs for the special price of $150, while stocks last.

STIHL safety products are exclusively available throughout New Zealand at STIHL SHOP Retailers and STIHL Stockists. To find your local store simply call 0800 4 STIHL or visit www.stihl.co.nz

ENDS

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