22 June 2004 - HSE Team Begin Safety Campaign Aimed at Woodworking Industry
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has organised a campaign targeting workplaces where woodworking machinery is used beginning July 2004. The campaign begins in Wakefield and surrounding areas for a two month-long inspection campaign. The next 12 months could also see similar campaigns in other areas.
Around 100 employers have been advised that they may get a visit from a member of the team of five inspectors in Leeds.
Inspections will target:
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machinery guarding
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control of exposure to wood dust
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manual handling operations
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preventing slips and trips
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a review of noise exposure
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transport activities
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the management of asbestos.
Geoff Fletcher, HM Inspector of Health and Safety, the campaigns organiser commented:
“Rates of injury at woodworking machinery continue to be three times higher than the average rates in manufacturing as a whole. The rate of amputation, normally affecting the hands, is four times higher. This situation is unacceptable and reflects a worrying standard in the training of woodworking machinists.”
