Stihl Warns ‘Weekend Warriors’ Not to Cut Corners

13 May 2013

Stihl Warns ‘Weekend Warriors’ Not to Cut Corners
When It Comes to Safety

STIHL Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week in association with St John: 13 – 19 May, 2013

STIHL’s Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week returns next week for the sixth year and this year St John are working with STIHL to keep safety ‘top of mind’.

St John and STIHL believe a major ongoing issue is the lack of safety gear worn by the occasional user and are urging consumers to invest in their own safety when buying a new chainsaw with the additional purchase of chainsaw chaps, protective glasses and ear muffs.

A portion of all Special Edition STIHL Safety Pack sales sold during the week will go towards St John, the charitable service that is all too familiar with the aftermath of preventable accidents.

St John Clinical Director, Dr Tony Smith, says it is great to see businesses like STIHL spearheading preventative campaigns like Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week.

“We know firsthand the outcome of irresponsible chainsaw usage and it’s horrible, so it’s positive to see companies like STIHL helping to educate Kiwis on correct chainsaw use so that these incidents can be prevented. It’s not just about getting the ambulance to the scene afterwards,” says Mr Smith.

Nine-time STIHL TIMBERSPORTS champion Jason Wynyard, the national ambassador for STIHL Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week, says he doesn’t understand why donning safety gear isn’t a natural step for Kiwi lads.

”I wouldn’t dream of using a chainsaw without safety gear and I’m an expert. You wouldn’t drive without wearing a seatbelt or go fishing without a life jacket, so why on earth would you use a chainsaw without safety gear. There’s no excuse,” says Mr Wynyard.

Mr Wynyard adds, "It's simple - get some chaps to cover your legs, gloves to protect your hands, a helmet, steel capped boots, and eye and ear protection. That way, if the unexpected does happen, the chances of getting seriously injured are much less.”

STIHL Marketing Manager Stace Hall agrees, "Anyone considering the purchase of a chainsaw should talk to one of our STIHL SHOP™ Retailers who can advise on the right chainsaw for their needs and just as importantly, the right safety gear.”

To support the simple yet essential steps for safe chainsaw operation, STIHL is offering safety packs containing chainsaw chaps, safety glasses and earmuffs for the special price of $158 during the week or while stocks last (normally $240).

STIHL safety products are exclusively available throughout New Zealand at STIHL SHOP™ Retailers and STIHL Stockists. To find your local store simply call 0800 4 STIHL or visit www.stihl.co.nz.

ENDS

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