While trimming trees with a chainsaw at his home, Hall of Fame golfer Greg Norman had just let go of the trigger when a heavy branch pulled his arm down into the blade that was still turning, missing his artery by a fraction of an inch but still damaging his wrist to the point that it took doctors almost a hour to repair it. A chainsaw safety specialist passes on important guidelines to prevent accidents like this from occurring.
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Jose Cantu, the owner of Saw House Inc., an outdoor power equipment outlet in Houston, gave Landscape Online Weekly these chainsaw safety tips:

Loose chains can come off and strike you.

Poorly lubricated chains tend to tighten up and over time weaken the chain, eventually causing it to snap
during operation.

Never "drop start" the saw – holding it in the air and using its weight and gravity to help with the pull start. Instead put the saw on ground, a foot on the saw body, and a hand on handle.

For tree work, start the chainsaw on the ground and use a rope to deliver it to the worker.

Never cut above your shoulder height, don't overreach, and don't cut while on a ladder.

All-Around Safety

Cantu, who is also on the board of directors with the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance, advises to familiarize yourself with the operating manuals of all power equipment and check that safety features like the engine shut-off sensor on a rider mower's seat are working properly.

Besides clearing a lawn of stones, twigs and other potential projectiles, clear the yard of children while your
crew is working.

Autumn driving hazards include floodwaters, less daylight, and leaves, which can hide a road's markings and potholes, and when wet or frozen can create slick conditions.