Full PPE for quick cuts do you bother?

[Alan]

Be honest, when you're doing a quick cut, do you always put on all your safety gear like the chaps, helmet, and gloves? Or do you ever skip it for those small jobs?

 

[ahjuma]

Honestly? I don't even wear shoes. Small job or big job, the risks are the same... so PPE use needs to be based on personal risk assessment. I know I am an outlier, but I still have all my digits. There's a thing I call "Presence of Mind"... takes practice to know your tools and to operate them as an extension of our physical selves; as well as anticipate what could go awry and prepare for it. It could be just me, and I certainly don't recommend that folks work outside their comfort zone, but I view "safety gadgets and engineering" as a protocol imposed by government and insurance companies to enable tool manufacturers the ability to sell their wares to a greater audience than those trained in the trade. I happen to find that a lot of these implementations actually limit my ability to control my work, usually by visual impairment, so have removed nearly all of such clutter from my woodshop machines. I take several minutes to evaluate a tree and its surroundings, note which limbs could hang or break etc. If I lack confidence in falling it safely I will leave it for another day ...somehow, letting a situation percolate for a bit will provide the solution. I've worn the gear, the hat being the most annoying (must be my reliance on peripheral vision).
In my observation of utility crews and all their safety protocols, I sense that the policy regards all workers as being of the most careless type. Personally, I find it insulting to cater to the lowest common demominator, which is why I never sought such a career. The people most dangerous to themselves and others (in any work environment) are those who are not genuinely interested in being there and focused on the work.
That said, I cherish my hearing, so my ears are nearly always protected!

 

[Gee Willikers]

Be honest, when you're doing a quick cut, do you always put on all your safety gear like the chaps, helmet, and gloves? Or do you ever skip it for those small jobs?

Always use PPE. Accidents are unintentional and unpredictable, regardless of knowledge, experience and an healthy abundance of caution. While impossible to predict the future, I can certainly reduce the likelihood of Murphy’s Law. I’m in my 70’s and still have all my digits while swinging my 28” Echo CS7310P.

 

[Alan]

Honestly? I don't even wear shoes. Small job or big job, the risks are the same..

I really appreciate your insights! Being sharp with your tools makes all the difference. I think that mindset should be at the core of everything we do, even when we’re all geared up. And of course, taking care of your hearing is definitely a wise move.