I would never, ever use a chainsaw without a full-face shield and kevlar chaps or trousers. No matter how skilled the operator, there is always a risk of kickback. With just a slight error in bar placement, the saw will violently launch itself towards the operator. A kickback can cause life-changing injuries in a fraction of a second. Chainsaw protective clothing is hot and heavy, but it's the only good option for protecting yourself against kickback.
I do not deny the danger of kickbacks- i claim that they are more often happening, if you are fatigued and exausted stumbling around a fallen tree with a runing chainsaw.
There is alternative protection gear by now with better properties (knee/shin guards made from plastic, and plastic guards with passive cooling mechanisms).
TL,DR; Im not generically claiming that protection is the root of all evil. Im claiming that the most used safety gear at the moment is lousy- and that domagtic safety procedures are creating the accidents they prevent. Because people will wear them to exaustion, and then strip them off with no replacement.
Analogy to several existing computer safety solutions intended.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHdgztQGmmQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBEUYs6I6vU?t=1m29s