oldspark said:
Not trying to be a smart ass but have never heard any one call PPE training wheels before, I dont care how careful you are things can happen and do,the PPE you wear when you are new at it should be the same as when you are familar with the tool.
It all depends on what you are doing and the tool you are using. Take operating a chainsaw for example: so many things could go wrong and each cutting situation is different with many unique challenges. A chainsaw is quickly able to do extreme damage to your body and being extra careful sometimes isn't good enough. I would agree with your comment if it was applied towards use of chainsaw chaps, and head and foot protection.
Everyone should use them as often as possible.
Speaking only from my experience - splitting wood with the Fiskars axe is a simple task with few variables, low chance of serious injury when performed correctly. Injuries are going to be rare but when they happen - mostly minor.
Probably each person here holds different risk tolerances. We all do whatever we can to mitigate risk to an acceptable level. That acceptable level varies for each of us.