A safety release mechanism for a linear actuator having a lead screw and a telescopic tube includes a nut, a protection shroud, a sleeve connected to the telescopic tube, a clutching element and a spiral spring. The nut is threadedly and drivingly connected to the lead screw. The protection shroud is fixedly and drivingly connected to one side of the nut. One end of the sleeve is sheathed on the protection shroud while the other end thereof is fixedly connected to the telescopic tube. The outer periphery of the sleeve is formed with notches. The clutching element is sheathed on the sleeve and formed with protrusions configured to be selectively inserted into or removed from the notches. The spiral spring is sheathed on the protection shroud and the clutching element. With this arrangement, cleavage or damage of components can be prevented to thereby increase the safety of operation.