Improperly operating or poorly maintaining a chipper greatly increases the risk of injury to the operator. According to the United States Department of Labor, most of the injuries linked with chipper machines involve the operator getting too close to the machine's chipping blades. Injuries from chipper machines can range from simple bruises to amputations and death.
Consumers should familiarize themselves with the safety manuals provided by chipper machine manufacturers before operating chippers. People who work with chippers should keep their hands at a safe distance before placing materials into an active chipper, and should never reach into a running chipper, according to the National Ag Safety Database. If needed, a push-stick can be employed to help push materials closer to the chipping blades.
The National Ag Safety Database recommends that people working near chippers wear hard hats to prevent head injury from material that accidentally gets kicked out of the chipper. The United States Department of Labor suggests that people working around chippers should not wear loose-fitting clothing that can accidentally be fed into a chipper. Safety glasses protect the eyes from dust and debris, and sturdy, no-slip boots decrease the likelihood of a person slipping into a chipper. Hearing protection can help prevent ear damage from excessive noise.
Some types of chippers feature extensive safety devices that are engineered into the construction of the chipper. According to the Tree Care Industry Association, some wood chippers feature bottom feed stop bars, which make it easy for operators to intentionally or accidentally deactivate the chipper. This decreases the risk of operators getting fed into the chipper.
All chipper manufacturers should have safety stickers, decals, or signs posted on their equipment. To decrease the risk of injuring bystanders while chipper machines are working, signs should be posted informing bystanders of the nearby chipper machine operation.