Welcome to the area dedicated to issues that apply to the Wood Working Industry .  You will also find general health and safety guidance in the 'A-Z'.  This information is relevant to all industry groups regardless of activity.  From here you can also access our 'Ask the Expert Facility'.

Not only will you have employees to take care of but members of the public who frequent your premises making use of your services as well as contractors and visitors.

The risks associated with woodworking machinery are inherently high, due to the presence of high-speed cutters, moving machinery and ejected materials whilst the machine is in use and the need for many machines to be hand-fed.

The risk is highest when the machinery is in use. However, care also needs to be taken to ensure that unauthorised personnel cannot gain access to the machinery.

Legislation concerning woodworking equipment

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Anyone using woodworking equipment should refer specifically to the PUWER Regulations above as these contain specific requirements for suitability and maintenance of equipment.

As well as the basic key regulations and Statutory requirements, we aim to provide content that is specific to your activities. All areas however should first be identified and risk assessed and hazards identified.  Risk assessment is the first point of call for all good health and safety managment.

You will also find useful documentation in our 'Download' area, for:

• risk assessment,
• policy,
• guidance and 
• checklists

All content can be downloaded completed and then uploaded into our 'Document Manager' area creating a Health and Safety Portfolio  for safe keeping.

Should you have any specific queries you can always 'Ask the Expert'.