Woodworking is an age-old craft that produces commodities of high durability and beauty. Its artisans are highly skilled, but they are vulnerable to injury if safety precautions are not stringently followed. Here are some common safety precautions that should be part of every woodworker’s routine:
– Always wear safety glasses, adequate hearing protection, non-slip shoes and appropriate gloves.
– Do not wear loose-fitting clothing that can become entangled in moving parts. This is a common cause of injury when operating machinery.
– Inspect tools regularly for operational defects and make sure guards are in proper working condition before each use. Be sure electric power cords are properly secured and undamaged.
– Practice good housekeeping. This includes keeping machinery clean and free of debris that could become a projectile. It also includes clearing surrounding areas to prevent slips and falls that can result in major injury while machinery is in use.
Source: CCOHS- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
