Chuck Oslund’s The Chainsaw Safety System goes beyond a safety manual. This book is a philosophy-based treatise about safety, as well as the recognition that there are three components to cutting down trees: you, the chainsaw and the tree. Respect must be shown to the tree as well as the chainsaw. Oslund stated early that the book and its methods are valuable. “not just an understanding of how the saw works; it’s about how it works when combined with the unique tree you are cutting, and the individual state of your attitude. This is the reason for this book; the CSS [Chainsaw Safety System] is that ‘something more’ you need to be a safe, productive, and confident operator.”The CSS is not only safe for you, it will also keep everyone involved safe.
It is possible that you are already familiar with how to operate a chainsaw, and this book might be unnecessary. Many people aren’t familiar with how to properly use chainsaws, or may be scared of using them. Many people try to use chainsaws to solve emergency situations, even though their skills are not the best. Oslund says, “Trees kill more people in catastrophic weather events than any other cause.”Actually, people often get hurt more in tree cleanup after storms than they are from the storm. The cost of suffering a chainsaw injury is high. Oslund claims that the cost for a single chainsaw injury in 2000 was more than $12,000. I believe it to be higher today. The average required 110 stitches. There were over 26,000 chainsaw injuries that had been treated in the emergency department by 2009. By 2013, it was up to 36,000.
The rise in injuries is mainly due to more people using chainsaws without having been properly trained. Even though they don’t know how to use them properly, many people are quick to help in times of emergency. Some people are scared of the chainsaw and hesitate to take action. The book not only shows proper usage, but also teaches how to move outside of your comfort zone and how to increase it.
Oslund explains that one of the most important ways to be safe is to learn how to recognize the dangers and risks around you. So that we are able to spot unanticipated risks, Oslund uses brain-training observation techniques. You can learn these skills by being more aware of your surroundings and not concentrating on your phones.
Oslund may be dismissed by some as commonsense, but he immediately points out that this is not the right attitude. He was shocked when a student said it to him. “I already have a safety system; it’s called ‘common sense,'”Oslund erzählte him that “That comment is the exact reason why the safety system is needed, and why it helps only those who are willing to lay down their pride for the benefit of beginner saw operators; that line of thinking may be valid for an ordinary tool, but it is not for the most dangerous tool because it is also ‘common’ to be injured when operating one; two ‘commons’ mean that, statistically, you will eventually be injured if you don’t start using your head for something besides telling everyone around you how ‘good’ you are with this ‘manly’ tool.”
Oslund even has taken it upon himself many times to confront people who have been engaging in dangerous behavior. Oslund has even heard people confess to engaging in this behavior simply for the sake of it. His actions have been criticized by people who yell at him, and then later they thank him for teaching them how to do better. Bravado is not allowed when you are using the most deadly device on earth.
The Chainsaw Safety System’s second half focuses on five safety rules for chainsaw safety. These rules are too complex to be discussed here. I recommend that you get the full book. The final rule will however, is covered. “Stumps don’t lie.”The story will be told by the stump you leave behind when you have used your chainsaw. Oslund was often struck by a stump in the forest. He prayed for those who had hurt others or themselves with the chainsaw after they removed the tree.
Chainsaw Safety System contains fifty-five images from slide Oslund used during his presentations about chainsaw safety. He has presented them all across Michigan. The state pays for the photos. The images are used to illustrate Oslund’s points, and can be used as a reference for the reader to return and recall key points. Oslund also refers to YouTube videos to show readers examples of how to proceed.
Oslund’s humor is also a plus. Oslund has a way of entertaining the reader, even though this book can be quite lengthy. This is a humorous example from the book.
“I will go around the room and ask each student to name a possible hazard while cutting down a tree. I’ll usually get through a few sitting near the front of the class with responses like widow makers, telephone wires, the outhouse, my stupid dog-things like that-before I stop and let them off the hook by stating, ‘You could say just about anything, and I could dream up a scenario where it could be a hazard while cutting with a chainsaw.’ Of course, after making such a bold statement, I get instant challenges like: ‘elephant, pancake, sea anemone,’ yelled out by some smartass. After having some fun with that by showing how they could be hazards-cutting down a tree at the zoo; I ate fifty of them for breakfast; I have a coral cutting saw with a long snorkel-I point out the reason for the exercise: Nobody can possibly predict the hazards that could be encountered in felling any tree until they are actually in the cutting area.”
This book also includes a glossary. You will be able to understand all terms and phrases in the book. This book will teach you how to identify where trees will be falling, communicate with safety personnel, maintain your saw, and many other useful information. This will allow you to become part of the CSS. You can also use the knowledge you have gained in these pages in order to keep yourself safe and protect others. The Chainsaw Safety System will help you make it through another day if you do ever decide to get a chainsaw.