Chainsaw meets 18-year-olds in rhinestones: danger to life in the forest!

Chainsaw meets 18-year-olds in rhinestones: danger to life in the forest!

On May 26, 2025, around 10:40 a.m. in Strass in the Zillertal, Austria, a serious accident during forest work. An 18-year-old Austrian was injured by a chainsaw on the left leg. According to 5min.at, the incident occurred in a steep piece of forest when a dangerous recoil movement, also called kickback.

The young man's injuries are indefinite, but medical intervention was necessary. The mountain rescue Jenbach took over the first aid and the injured person was transported to the Hall Hospital by a rescue helicopter.

dangers when chainsaws

The incident throws a light on the general dangers of the use of chainsaws. Kickback occurs when the chainsaw at the top comes into contact with a fixed object, usually wood. The saw is suddenly thrown back by the power of the rotating chain, which can lead to serious injuries, as it is in the information from [HUTQVARNA] (https://chainsawacademy.husqvarna.com/de/ Grundlegendsicherheit-fur-kettensagen/) and and Chainsaw professional.

The kickback zone on the top rail tip is particularly dangerous because the saw can be thrown back as quickly as possible. Improper handling can lead to kickback during many work steps, not just when felling trees. It is therefore important to learn basic cutting techniques to minimize the risk.

Avoiding kickback

To avoid kickback, several security measures should be observed. This includes working only with a chainsaw that has a functioning chain brake. It is also advisable to always completely enclose the upper handle with both hands and keep the left thumb under the handle. This helps to push the saw away from itself in the event of a setback. Another important measure, in the first steps, especially when removing undergrowth, must be careful to bring the chain into the "incoming" position, which enables more secure cutting.