At one of my projects, we had to dado 804 equipment pads, pipe had to run under them. Regardless, it was not going to be me or the Super doing the work, so we set up a system to use the dado just as I was taught.
A Hold down jig to prevent pull up and kick back, a side jig to keep it against the fence and a way to push so your hands never get closer than about 8-12 inches.
Impatience and incorrect setup and complacency are your real risk. My father always told me this one thing, "before you use the tool - stop, think this thing can hurt, maim or kill me if I am not focused and safe, then proceed".
To me, focus and paying total attention always when using tools it the angel skill long term journeymen and craftsmen master early.
I am right at retirement age and TBH, only in the last few years I have started using a riving knife, not saying that is right or smart, but growing up without one installed, never gave it much thought. Just was used to not having one and always took extra precaution in set up to minimize risk. .....