Woodworking may be associated with a variety of hazards.
Hazard |
Risk Factor |
Protection |
organic dust inhalation (respiratory) |
fine dust (less than 1 to 2.5 microns in diameter) |
respirator, dust control |
organic toxins intrinsic to wood (respiratory, ocular, dermal or gastrointestinal) |
tropical woods |
respirator and skin protection, dust control |
chemical treatments (respiratory, ocular, dermal or gastrointestinal) |
anti-rot chemicals in pressure treated wood |
respirator and skin protection, dust control |
organic allergens (respiratory, dermal or ocular) |
|
respirator and skin protection, dust control |
fungi or molds |
|
moisture control, respirator |
penetrating ocular trauma |
sanding, cutting or trimming wood |
safety glasses |
electric shock |
self-wiring of wood shop, frayed cord, improper grounding, moisture |
inspection by electrician, proper grounding, water control |
splinters |
cutting or trimming wood |
safety glasses, hand and forearm protection |
blunt trauma from falling lumber or machine throw back |
|
proper inventory control, proper safety equipment |
sharp trauma |
failure to use safety equipment |
proper safety equipment |
solvents and wood treatments (skin, CNS, liver) |
unventilated or poorly ventilated work area; extensive skin contact; high environmental temperature |
respirator, proper ventilation |
fall injury |
unsteady ladder, makeshift step, clutter |
ladder safety, organized equipment and inventory |
fire |
smoking, overheated equipment, cluttered and dusty |
fire extinguisher |
Risk of sharp injury is increased for:
(1) a novice unfamiliar with safety equipment
(2) an experienced worker who is overconfident or trying to save time
(3) intoxication
(4) distraction
(5) cluttered workspace
(6) failure to secure equipment (blade, tool, workbench, etc.) properly
(7) exposed and uncovered blades
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,