FLS operator struck in groin by Husqvarna chainsaw chain

The Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) employee was felling a large tree using a Husqvarna 572 XP and 24” guidebar with a full chisel 3/8” chain. 

While tidying up the bottom of the sink cut, the chain came loose, shooting back and striking the individual in the groin.

• READ MORE: Steep felling work delayed immediately after crag discovery

Thankfully, the operator's cut‐protection trousers prevented a serious injury. The trousers were minimally damaged. 

Left: Depth gauges on sprocket don’t suggest issue with sprocket wear; and right, damage to rear of side plate as the chain exited (Image: FLS)

No further details on the incident have been released. 

A safety alert from FLS added: "The saw was being held flat in the bottom of the sink cut, with arms braced on the thighs to hold the weight, at about 50‐75 per cent throttle when the chain came loose. 

"The conclusion is that gravity didn’t have the usual effect of the chain dropping loose off the guidebar and so remained in contact with the spinning sprocket, allowing the chain to be pulled backwards and through the gap in the bottom of the side‐plate, effectively bypassing the chain‐catcher.

"That said, the chain‐catcher may have been in a less than optimal state and wasn’t able to catch the chain as it should." 

Forestry bosses are urging operators to take care and have issued the following advice: 

1. Looking over and testing safety features must be done as part of pre‐start checks.
2. Any damage, however minimal, should warrant replacement of the chain‐catcher. Changes in shape/deformity or fractures may not show in visual inspection.
3. Chainsaw protective trousers have helped prevent serious injury, reinforcing the importance of always wearing them.
4. As longer guidebars and chains are used, the protective effect of the rear hand guard reduces.