Work environment safety and ergonomics in the wood industry

The machine carpentry trade happens close to powerful machines large amounts of wood dust and heavy materials. Most injuries and wear do not come from individual dramatic accidents but from conditions that repeat day after day in production. Therefore good working environment is not something you think about now and then — it is a way of working you learn from day one.

§Wood dust — the invisible risk

When sawing sanding and milling wood and sheet materials fine dust is produced which can penetrate deep into the airways. Long-term exposure to wood dust is harmful to health so extraction at machines and good ventilation in the hall are absolutely crucial. Where dust cannot be removed at the source you use respiratory protection. Wood dust is something the trade takes most seriously.

§Noise from machinery

A production hall with woodworking machines is a noisy place. Saws, routers and planers can operate at levels that over time damage hearing, and hearing loss creeps up and cannot be regained. Hearing protection is standard equipment at noisy machines and must be worn every time — not just when the noise feels bad.

§The machines take over the routine — but someone still needs to know the craft when something must be set up adjusted or goes wrong.

The stationary machines — circular saw planer router band saw — are the trade's most direct hazard and a modern production also has CNC machines and robots with strong automatic movements. You never remove protective guards and use the required aids such as push sticks and fences so hands are kept away from the cutting tool. With automatic machines you respect barriers and safety stops.

§Chemistry and surfaces

Lime, varnishes, stains and certain surface products can contain substances that are harmful to inhale or get on your skin — hence the requirement for epoxy and isocyanate courses. You read safety data sheets, wear gloves and respiratory protection where required, and ensure ventilation. Chemistry is rarely dangerous if handled correctly, but it requires respect.

§Ergonomics — sparing your body.

Heavy plates, items and finished products must be lifted, turned and moved, and much work in production is monotonous and repeated. This is where many over time get pain in the back, shoulders and wrists. Good ergonomics is about lifting with your legs and a straight back, using aids instead of pure muscle power, and arranging the work height so you don't stand bent over for hours.

• 01PLACEHOLDER_51
• 02Use trolleys, carts, vacuum lifts and lifting equipment instead of carrying everything yourself
• 03Change working posture and vary the tasks, so the same joints aren't strained all day
• 04Keep order — a tidy hall gives fewer falls and tripping hazards

§The safety culture at the workplace

The best work environment arises where you look after each other speak up when something is dangerous and where it is okay to stop a task that cannot be done responsibly. As an apprentice you have the right to safe training and you must dare to ask if you are unsure. An experienced machine carpenter does not measure his craftsmanship on how many risks he takes but on how safely and well the work is done.