Community
13 June, 2024
Safety initiative inspires donation to VICSES
VOLUNTEERS of the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) Terang unit will have their responses made easier thanks to a donation from leading chainsaw brand STIHL.
The donation was made as part of the launch of STIHL Chainsaw Safety Week, with STIHL giving away more than $10,000 worth of its brand new, MSA211 chainsaws to VICSES units across the state.
STIHL Chainsaw Safety Week, running from June 3 to June 9, was launched to build awareness of the necessary safety precautions for operating a chainsaw this winter and beyond.
With almost one thousand chainsaw injuries reported in Australia each year, STIHL Chainsaw Safety Week seeks to address a need for better education around safe chainsaw use.
STIHL Australia managing director of STIHL Leeson Brook recognised the need for education tailored to Australian chainsaw users.
“At STIHL, we’re committed to making sure that Australians are putting their safety first,” he said.
“As Australia’s most trusted brand for chainsaws and outdoor power equipment, we recognise we have a role to play to support the safe use of these essential tools.
“Through our dealerships across the country, STIHL Australia has been providing in-person education to Australians for years.
“We’re proud to make it even more accessible for users through online educating content to make sure all Australians are using the proper protective equipment when they’re operating a chainsaw.”
STIHL launched the campaign with the donation to the VICSES units most heavily impacted by storms earlier this year.
With chainsaw safety grounded in community engagement, the donation will help accredited VICSES crews to continue providing on-the-ground support to communities around Victoria, reducing the risk of Victorians tackling dangerous hazards.
As the control agency of flood and storm, VICSES volunteers harness their extensive training and substantial experience of Chainsaw Operations, to safely support communities and remove trees down over roads and properties and help to repair building damage. The past three years have been three of the busiest years’ in VICSES history following severe storms, major flooding and numerous deployments supporting storms or flood ravaged communities across the country.
VICSES deputy chief officer readiness and response Alistair Drayton said the donation was greatly appreciated in supporting communities around Victoria through difficult situations.
“We’re pleased to support National Chainsaw Safety Week and are very grateful to STIHL for the donation of $10,000 worth of chainsaws which will go to some of our volunteer units across Victoria,” he said.
STIHL has extended the impact of the safety awareness campaign nationally, rolling out educational resources and support online and via its dealership network.
The resources include an interactive opportunity for chainsaw users around Australia to assess their knowledge of proper safety practices, with the opportunity to enter a prize draw for those committing to their safety.
The major prize winner will receive a battery chainsaw and PPE package, valued up to $2548, with five further winners winning a Chainsaw PPE kit worth $361.
STIHL’s commitment to community further extends through its dealership network, providing professional advice and services to maintain a standard of care across over 600 dealerships nationwide.
To find out more about STIHL Australia’s inaugural Chainsaw Safety Week visit https://www.stihlchainsawsafety.com.au/.