I am usually wearing heavy steel-toe boots, but I can see where there would be a lot of foot injuries. I have used a heavy stick to hold back stuff so i could get at the base, trying to keep my bits safely out of the way. I have read that a machete is supposed to be used by drawing back on the opposite side that you are holding the machete on. (right hand draw back on left side) and swing across, because you are never in the path of the swing. This is not a comfortable swing for me, my back hand is not very accurate. (seems to be the root movement to me) Another little bit of wisdom I have picked up is to always swing across your body (ie if the blade continues unchecked it is not stopped by your body) basically I am focusing on what i am doing, and maintaining my safety. I have an awesome little scar on my left hand that reminds me everyday, that getting sloppy or relaxed with safety ends badly.

Scar, it was 8 stitches, caused by laxness and that "It won't happen to me" attitude.