Not many people in the world have more authority on the best practices when it comes to chainsaw use than Jason Wynyard.

So this Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week, he is warning Kiwis not to take the power tool for granted.

Jason is a multiple time world champion timber sports athlete and has teamed up with STIHL as an ambassador to help launch the awareness drive from May 24 to May 30.

The Kawakawa-born expert woodsman has never had an injury with a chainsaw but being around the machines for much of his life has given him a respect for the damage that can be caused if things go wrong.

'At this time of year, a lot of people are cutting firewood or using chainsaws in a DIY situation at home,” says Jason.

'We just want to remind everyone out there to do the right thing with their machine.”

According to ACC, more injuries happen in the home than anywhere else in New Zealand and in 2019 more than 1.3 million injuries occurred in and around the home with gardening and DIY activities accounting for 96,782 of those claims.

Whilst chainsaws would not have been involved in all of those incidents, Jason is hoping New Zealanders remember how dangerous an item they are when not used in a safe and responsible manner.

'That is really the main message we want to get out there which is to warn people not to be complacent,” he says.

'Chainsaws, of any size, can be very dangerous and cause serious injuries.

'People need to be safe, wear the right equipment, consider your surroundings. Just making sure everything is as safe as possible to minimise the risk of getting injured.”

Many accidents with a chainsaw are also down to inexperience, with people picking up a tool watching a YouTube video and cracking on.

Jason believes anybody who has never touched a chainsaw before shouldn't operate one without some form of training or tutorial.

'I think it is a bad idea for anybody to just pick up a chainsaw without any training or any prior experience,” he says. 'That's just a recipe for disaster really.

'Go to your local STIHL shop or outlet, they are happy to give you advice. They can show you how to use the equipment and kit you out in the right safety gear.

'You can get yourself off to a good start in that respect.”

If in doubt, or a project appears too dangerous, Jason believes the best option is to get the professionals around to do the job, even if it does go against your innate Kiwi spirit.

'It's the small things that can actually save you from serious injury,” he says.

'We as Kiwis, I think, have a bit of an ego when it comes to chainsaws. We think we can take on any job. It is a bit of a macho thing most of the time.

'But don't underestimate the size of the chainsaw and quantify that with the amount of damage it can cause. There are more injuries with smaller chainsaws because people don't respect them then there are with the larger professional saws.

'It's a real trap. Every chainsaw needs to be treated with respect.”

In combination with STIHL, Jason has put together five top tips to remain safe when using a chainsaw:

1. Always Inspect your chainsaw before operating - checking that all the parts are intact and secure, the chain is the right tension and the cutters are sharp, the depth gauge setting is correct, all safety devices are in place and working and that there are no loose bolts, screws, nuts or covers. If anything is missing or damaged, don't use the chainsaw. Especially if you weren't the last person to use it.

2. Check your work area - make sure your work area is free of tripping hazards and electrical cables. Also keep an eye out for anyone who could enter your work area and check to make sure nothing is going to fall on you while you are working (like tree tops, etc). Don't forget to watch out for the weather - some conditions could make your work area hazardous.

3. Hold and use the chainsaw correctly - keep two hands on the saw and hold it close to your body, with the body of the saw close to what you're cutting. Plant your feet firmly and slightly apart for balance. Never try to adjust your chainsaw or machine while the engine is running.

4. Maintain your chainsaw - good maintenance will extend the chainsaw's life and ensure it's safe to use. When you finish a job make sure the air filters, sprocket cover and chain brake mechanism are free from sawdust; clean the guide bar groove; oil the holes and check everything is in place. If you require help with this, take your tool to any STIHL SHOP.

5. Always wear the right safety gear - this includes ear muffs to protect your hearing, glasses to protect your eyesight and chaps in case you slip. Of course sturdy, closed-toe boots are also a must.