Jim, the problem is fairly simple to solve.
1) use a riving knife, properly adjusted so that workpieces cannot touch the rear of the blade (kickback)
2) always use a crown or overhead guard to prevent workpieces from contacting the top of the blade (kickback and finger protection)
3) when ripping solid wood use an adjustable length fence that ends just past the beginning of the blade
How many people actually follow the rules?
An active safety system enhances the above, it’s not a substitute for the above.
Regards, Rod