Lantra Launches “Respect the Chainsaw” Campaign for Home Users
Empowering safer chainsaw use at home and on-site
Lantra has launched an important new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with chainsaw use in domestic settings — and emphasising that these aren’t just garden tools, but powerful machines requiring proper training and protective equipment.
Why the campaign matters
With chainsaws becoming widely available in DIY stores, supermarkets and online marketplaces, there has been a worrying increase in injuries resulting from improper use. A freedom-of-information request to NHS hospitals across England, Wales and Scotland revealed that over 3,000 people attended A&E for chainsaw-related injuries in the last decade — and numbers have risen since 2020.
Lantra’s campaign, titled “Respect the Chainsaw”, delivers a clear message: you must treat the chainsaw with respect. It’s not an optional extra to wear the right gear or receive training — it’s essential.
Key messages from Lantra
- Chainsaws are potentially lethal power tools, not ordinary garden equipment.
- Proper training and PPE (personal protective equipment) are vital to avoid serious or life-changing injuries.
- As Lantra’s Head of Communications, Clegg Bamber MBE, explains:
“Chainsaws can cause life-changing injuries within a split second. Sadly, some of these are fatal. Training on how to use them is essential, and PPE is non-negotiable.”
- Mandy Maynard, Lantra’s Head of Industry Partnerships for Forestry & Arboriculture, adds:
“PPE can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophic injury. It’s not an add-on but a necessity.”
The campaign also features a short educational film led by qualified arborist James Bingham, exploring safe chainsaw operation, understanding risks like kick-back, and how protective clothing can reduce injury in the event of an accident.
Whether you’re pruning a garden tree, clearing storm-damaged branches, or working professionally, the message is simple — safety must always come first.
Learn more and watch the videos
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