Machines used in woodworking are dangerous, particularly when used improperly or without proper safeguards. Workers operating woodworking equipment suffer the following common injuries: laceration, amputation, severed fingers, and blindness. Wood dust and the chemicals used in finishing are health hazards, and workers in this industry can suffer from skin and respiratory diseases. The purpose of this guide is to help employers provide a safe and healthful workplace. The guide describes the principal hazards of woodworking and the methods for controlling these hazards. If you employ one or more persons to operate woodworking equipment, you should read this guide. This includes employers in industries making wood furniture (household, office, public, and restaurant); wood office and store fixtures; kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities; industrial patterns; wood containers; wooden musical instruments and toys; and other wood products. Employers at fabricated wood millwork establishments (e.g., establishments that produce doors, windows, porches, and shutters) are also included. This guide does not cover logging operations or the production of lumber and basic wood materials at pulp, paper, or saw mills. There are many safety and health hazards associated with the above industries. This guide focuses primarily on the safety hazards associated with woodworking machinery and the health hazards of wood dust. This guide will familiarize you with the hazards of woodworking and the control options for protecting your employees from these hazards. Employing the recommended controls can help you prevent workplace injuries. This guide also will help you comply with OSHA standards related to woodworking. OSHA regulations require you to protect your employees from workplace hazards caused by machines and hazards associated with the processed material (wood).
