Y'all have to be licensed to use a chainsaw over there?
My understanding is that it only applies if you are employed to do chainsaw work, then you have to go on a training course / get a certificate.
So for a home-owner there is no requirement.
I can honestly say I've never seen anyone wear any of that gear in all my life around wood cutting, nor have I ever worn such things
I expect you will find that folk over here find that staggering
The safety clothing is readily available here, sold alongside the saws etc. such that unless someone is very poorly off (and then I am doubting they would be buying a chain saw) I think that 99% (or whatever) of people will buy the safety clothing too.
Chainsaw kickbacks not that rare .... accidents are rare ... but brains alone doesn't prevent them
... car accidents are rare too, but everyone (with few exceptions) in the UK wears a seatbelt in both the front and back seats in a car. Its been a while since I visited the USA regularly, but I don't remember seat belts being worn that commonly when i was last there, particularly in back seat.
I even wear a seatbelt when I get in a taxi - its become second nature when in a vehicle and now "feels wrong" if I don't have a belt on. No matter how skilled commercial drivers might be they are still at risk from having someone else's accident. Same applies to chainsaws in my opinion.