Furniture Manufacturers Told: 'It's Time to Clear the Air!'

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is targeting North East furniture manufacturers to raise awareness of the health risks associated with wood dust and woodworking in general.

Over the next few weeks HSE inspectors will be visiting furniture manufacturers in the region. They will be addressing the main health and safety risks to employees working in woodworking including control of dust, manual handling and slips and trips in the workplace. Employers will also be given advice on buying secondhand equipment.

HSE inspector, Graham Watson, said: 'Furniture manufacturing in the North East has an accident rate four times higher than in general manufacturing with each accident costing an estimated £5,500.

'Breathing in harmful wood dust can cause asthma and even cancer. Taking simple steps, and installing suitable extraction, can control dust exposure, which in turn will protect employers and their workers provided it is used correctly and is adequately maintained.'

One North East firm which is already benefiting from taking advice from an HSE inspector about control of dust is Chester-le-Street-based Ambic Ltd, a school furniture manufacturer.

Director, David Potter, said: 'We sought advice from a specialist consultant who made several recommendations including improvements to the dust extraction system, which made for a cleaner, clearer working environment. This has actually speeded up the manufacturing process as well as being part of our health and safety drive.

'One of the processes produced so much dust it was difficult to actually see the work in hand; because the atmosphere is so clearer now it's much easier and means work gets done quickly and accurately. In the near future we will be moving to a new factory specifically designed for our needs. We have therefore been working closely with our health and safety consultant to make sure we take full advantage of the opportunity this presents to secure further improvements in health and safety.'

In addition to the risk posed by dust, manual handling accidents can occur across a wide range of activities in the woodworking industry. The potential for injury is present during:

* handling of timber and board material
* machining and assembly
* handling and storage of the finished product.

Graham said: 'In the North East last year (2006/07) 31 workers suffered a sprain while handling goods. Various lifting and handling aids are available, and these can significantly reduce the risk of injury. '

Graham says inspectors will also be warning employers about the risks involved in buying secondhand woodworking equipment.

'There are lots of bargains to be had at auctions. If you look around you will find that woodworking machinery can even be bought on internet auction sites at what look like knock-down prices. If you are tempted to bid for a 'bargain' machine at an auction sale or on the internet be very careful. What you think is going to be a cheap deal could turn out to be very expensive indeed. You might have to fit extra guards or braking.

'Before you can use the machine you have to be sure it is safe and complies with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998). You owe it to yourself and your employees to get this right.

'If an inspector visits and finds a machine that doesn't comply, you could be faced with a notice that stops you using it until it is put right or ultimately, with prosecution for using unsafe and illegal equipment.'

To find out more health and safety in the woodworking industry log onto http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking