Lathes are only seen this way because they can go very big. The instant death accidents happen with the big ones, especially the ones designed to quickly remove lots of material from big metal pieces.

Otherwise lathes aren't more dangerous than any other piece of machinery with exposed moving pieces. In particular the ones designed to turn small pieces of wood can't do much harm.

Don't leave the chuck key in, wear eye protection, no loose hair, no loose clothes, don't be stupid and you will be fine.