[Accidents with power chain saws]

During the three-year period 1987-1989, 80 persons were registered with lesions following accidents with chain saws. The information in the casualty department records was supplemented by an interview questionnaire. Sale of chain saws increased from the middle of the nineteen eighties although no appreciable increase in the number of accidents was registered. One of the reasons for this may be the legislation concerning safety equipment which was introduced in the middle of the nineteen eighties. Further efforts are still required to reduce the number of accidents. On the basis of the results of the investigation, the following suggestions are made: 1. Written information about personal protective equipment should be issued to every purchaser of a chain saw. 2. An informative campaign about the correct use of the chain saw and the personal protective equipment. 3. Compulsory issue of personal protective equipment in connection with hire of a chain saw. 4. Safety gloves should be included in the safety requirements.