Abstract: Disclosed is a safety handle that is rotatively mounted on the existing front handle of the chain saw and is operatively connected to the existing on-off switch to independently actuate such switch to shut off the engine and stop the cutting chain upon rotation of such safety handle to its "off" position either automatically when kick-back occurs or upon such rotation by the human operator at his option. A wrist guide struck by the human operator's hand during severe kick-back or when the chain saw is dropped similarly rotates the safety handle to its "off" position. An automatic reset mechanism restores the safety handle to its "on" position after the safety handle has been rotated to its "off" position and released.