Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Chainsaw Safety Guide: Recognizing and Preventing Common Woodcutting Hazards

26 Jan 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

2:22

In this instructional video, the presenter outlines four prevalent chainsaw hazards—pull‑in, push‑back, kickback, and spring pulls—and provides concrete prevention strategies for each. Pull‑in occurs when the lower chain contacts a foreign object, causing the saw to pull forward; it is mitigated by starting cuts at full chain speed and using the bumper spike. Push‑back happens when the upper chain is pinched, driving the saw backward; avoidance includes cutting one log at a time, never twisting the bar, and staying aware of pinch points. Kickback is a violent backward or upward motion caused by the guide‑bar nose contacting wood, the ground, or other objects; the presenter advises a two‑hand grip, avoiding overhead cuts, maintaining high chain speed, proper maintenance, and standing to the side of the potential kickback path. Spring pulls arise when cutting tensioned limbs, which can spring back; OSHA’s recommended method involves identifying a vertical line from the stump and a perpendicular horizontal line to determine a 45‑degree cut that minimizes spring‑back. The video concludes with broader safety advice—using both hands, proper stance, following manufacturer maintenance guidelines, and understanding operators’ rights and responsibilities—aimed at reducing injury risk during chainsaw operation.

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Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help prevent some common chainsaw hazards. One common hazard in chainsaw use is pull-in. This is where the chain at the bottom of the bar gets pinched, caught, or hits a foreign object like a nail or screw, causing the saw to pull forward. This can cause the chainsaw operator to lose control of the saw. To avoid pull-in, always start cutting when the chain is at full speed and ensure the bumper spike makes contact with the wood. Another common hazard is push-back. Push-back is similar to pull-in, but it happens when the chain at the top of the bar is pinched or encounters a foreign object. This causes the saw to drive straight back rapidly towards the operator, which can lead to them losing control. Pushback can be avoided by cutting only one log at a time. Also, never twist the saw bar when removing it from a plunge or underbuck cut, and be aware of all situations that may pinch the top of the chain. Kickback is the violent backward or upward motion that occurs when the nose of the guide bar becomes pinched or comes in contact with an object like the ground or another branch or root. This hazard could be avoided by always holding the chainsaw with both hands and never cutting overhead or above shoulder height. Never let the nose or guide bar come in contact with a log, branch, or other object. Always hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands, cut at high chain speeds, and follow the manufacturer's directions on chain sharpening and maintenance. Don't stand directly behind the chainsaw when bucking. Standing to the side of the path of a possible kickback will reduce the risk of injury. Finally, the hazard known as spring pulls occurs when you try to make a cut that releases a limb or branch under tension causing it to spring up, possibly causing injury. To avoid spring pulls, look at the limb before cutting to determine whether it's under tension or not. Then make a cut that is going to create the least amount of spring back. To do this, OSHA recommends determining a vertical line from the stump to horizontal line perpendicular to the highest point of the bend and coming down at a 45-degree angle where the two lines intersect. Of course, the best way to avoid hazards associated with chainsaw use is for operators to know their rights and responsibilities before use.