Earlier quoted context omitted.
If a completely untrained person bought an entire shop worth of power tools and just started trying to build stuff, the potential for injury is astronomical. However, there's a right way to go about it. Every shop tool has a simple set of rules to follow. Learn the proper and safe way to use things, wear appropriate attire and safety equipment, pay attention, and the risk is very low. Powertools are made to cut/grind…
Never put your fingers where you wouldn't put your bollocks and you will be fine.
That piece of advice will save you more heartache than pretty much any other, but its a little more complicated than that.
For example, you wouldn't want to wear loose or baggy clothing around a lathe.