STIHL Australia is proud to announce the return of Chainsaw Safety Week 2026, a national awareness campaign running from Monday, June 15, to Saturday, June 20, 2026. Built on the central message ‘Respect the Saw,’ the initiative aims to educate both professional and domestic users on the importance of safe operation and the necessity of high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Leading the push for the safe use of chainsaws is professional arborist and elite STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® athlete Laurence O’Toole. As a nine-time Team World Champion for the Chopperoos and a world-class competitor, O’Toole brings authentic, high-stakes experience to the forefront of the campaign. His involvement serves as a powerful reminder that chainsaw safety is not optional, even for the most experienced operators in the field.
“Whether you are on the world stage or working in your own backyard, chainsaws are powerful professional tools that demand skill, preparation, and respect,” says O’Toole. “Online, we’re exposed to individuals using chainsaws in reckless and potentially fatal ways. It’s important we educate people on having the right gear and the right knowledge before you even start the engine.”
● 40% of casual chainsaw users admit they never wear proper safety gear (PPE);
● 1 in 3 Australians said they, or someone they know, has had an accident or near miss with a chainsaw;
● 3 out of 4 injuries occur in a residential garden, primarily affecting hand / finger lacerations and fragments in the eye due to low rates of safety glass use;
● Most dangerous incidents are often linked to Kickback; when the upper tip of the guide bar contacts wood or another object and the saw violently jumps upward/backward toward the operator. This area is often called the ‘kickback zone’; and
● Other incidents occur from: cutting above shoulder height, poor footing, fatigue, lack of PPE or contact with the chain while moving between cuts.
“STIHL chainsaws are globally iconic and trusted by millions, but performance is only half the equation- safe operation is just as vital,” said Regional Managing Director and CEO at STIHL Australia, Leeson Brook. “We are committed to continuously reinforcing safety awareness to ensure the best and safest outcomes for every operator. Our local STIHL dealers play a critical role in this by providing specialist advice, safety inspections, and expert guidance on proper PPE selection.”
With over 600 STIHL dealerships around the country and the largest market share of chainsaw sales in Australia, STIHL is committed to the safe and proper use of chainsaws and provides professional advice and services to maintain an unparalleled standard of care.
This year’s campaign follows a century of innovation, as STIHL celebrates 100 years of engineering excellence and a steadfast commitment to the safety of those who work in nature.
For more information on chainsaw safety tips, PPE requirements, or to find your local dealer, visit the dedicated STIHL Australia web hub at stihl.com.au.
