STIHL Chainsaw Safety Week in Australia ran from Monday, June 2, to Sunday, June 8, and STIHL donated over $10,000 of equipment to Disaster Relief Australia to support its vital work.
The world’s leading chainsaw brand is determined to continue building awareness of the life-saving importance of chainsaw safety – during that week and every time people operate a chainsaw.
Facts and figures
In the lead up to the week, STIHL conducted a nation-wide survey that aimed to spotlight concerning trends and the need for urgent action when it comes to safe and proper use of a chainsaw.
Key findings included:
* Nearly a third of Australians said they, or someone they know, had had an accident or near miss with a chainsaw
* Four in 10 respondents had never used PPE when using a chainsaw
* Though nearly three in four respondents have/had access to a chainsaw, only 13% had received formal training, and 40% had received no training whatsoever to safely operate a chainsaw
* Despite similar ownership between men and women, 72% of men were confident with a chainsaw and 67% of women were not.
An urgent need
“At STIHL, we’re committed to making sure Australians are putting their safety first,” said Managing Director of STIHL Australia, Leeson Brook.
“As Australia’s most trusted brand for chainsaws and outdoor power equipment, these findings reinforce the urgent need for STIHL Chainsaw Safety Week and to support training for the safe use of chainsaws. We see the important help chainsaws provide, but we want to see Australians use them appropriately at all times.”
STIHL launched the campaign with a donation to Disaster Relief Australia, supplying over $10,000 worth of equipment to support its vital work in keeping Australian communities safe in the aftermath of destructive weather events.
Chainsaws are an instrumental tool in recovery efforts and will contribute to NSW’s flood recovery, following reports that thousands of trees had been ripped up in a recent natural disaster. Similarly, the $1.2B of damage done by Queensland’s Cyclone Alfred was largely attributed to trees that blocked roads, fell onto homes and cars, and damaged power lines. In Victoria, the seasonal devastation caused by raging fires has also required Disaster Relief Australia and STIHL to work closely together.
Training is vital
Peter Sanderson, Associate Director of Disaster Relief & Recovery Team Victoria said: “Proper preparation beforehand can be the main difference for your property surviving a disaster. Whether you’re using a chainsaw, pole saw, brush cutter or even just a blower to undertake any of these tasks yourself, it’s crucial you understand the risks involved and know how to operate the equipment safely.”
Disaster Relief Australia is getting behind STIHL’s safety-awareness campaign and urging Australians to immerse themselves in the educational resources and support online, and via its dealership network. The resources include an interactive opportunity for chainsaw users to ‘take the safety pledge’ and assess their knowledge of proper safety practices.
“I would always encourage someone to go and complete a training course on chainsaw operation and maintenance,” continued Sanderson. “These are a great way to set you up with a strong foundational understanding of how a chainsaw works and how to assess a fallen tree before you start cutting.”
Disaster Relief Australia’s veterans and volunteers all undertake regular training to ensure they keep themselves and the community safe as they help with recovery efforts.
More information
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.
To find out more about STIHL Australia’s Chainsaw Safety Week, please visit stihlchainsawsafety.com.au.