EVERYTHING we do is dangerous. I can't imagine any type of splitter being more dangerous than a chain saw, but we certainly are not going to stop cutting wood. We don't let our hair or loose clothing or gloves get caught in the chain saw, or the lawn mower blade, or a bicycle chain or the PTO even without an implement on it. People keep saying "it's dangerous if you're not paying attention!" Really??? What isn't? Getting into the shower is dangerous if you're not paying attention. You could slip and fall. You could get scalded. You could get soap in your eyes.
I have not used one of these screw type of splitters but they seem to be simple and straight forward. You hold the round AT THE ENDS and push the CENTER of the round into the screw. Then you let go and step back and let the splitter do its thing. You shouldn't be getting close enough to get clothing caught in the screw. Your hands are on the end of the round away from the screw. As long as you have something blocking the round to prevent it from spinning AND you don't lean against the round to press it into the screw I just don't see what all the wailing and moaning and gnashing of teeth is about.
Everything we do is dangerous. Amen!!! Once sold a Wisconsin V4 with water pump to a DR.. I think it takes at least 8 years college education to be a DR. After drilling him on how to use the crank so he wouldn't break an arm or thumb, I left with a feeling of confidence that all was well. Those V4s had a sleeve type crank that fit over the end of the crankshaft. Guess what!! He left the crank on the shaft and after the crank got up to motor speed he stuck his foot in there to stop it. Broke his foot. If that had been today's world, I would have been sued. It helps to be careful, but no amount of caution can overcome stupid.