In a carpentry shop, the employees, when they operate woodworking machines, are exposed to a number of risks, among them being exposure to sawdust. With the aid of a checklist compiled by the external accident-prevention service, the existing sawdust-exhaust installation was thoroughly examined. This resulted in a number of recommendations to optimize the installation. They were implemented step by step.

The task

Hoste Algemene Bouw is a small-scale carpentry shop where the primary activity consists of mechanically working wood by the use of various woodworking machines (sawing, milling, boring, sanding, etc.).

The risks

During this work, the employees are exposed to various safety and health risks. The operating of the woodworking machines leads regularly to serious industrial accidents. Further, there is the risk of fire and explosion by the production of shavings and particularly of fine sawdust. The sawdust that is produced during mechanical woodworking involves not only a risk of fire: if the sawdust is not adequately removed, it can hinder the work and damage health. It is known that adenocarcinoma can be caused by inhaling the sawdust of hardwoods such as oak, beech, teak, and mahogany, and irritant and allergic reactions on the skin and mucous membranes due to the sawdust of certain tropical woods. Most woodworking machines also produce a high level of noise with the attendant risk of impaired hearing.

The solution and the methodology

The existing installation was subject to a thorough examination together with the employer and the employees with the aid of an extensive checklist: 'Dust control in carpentry shops' compiled by the external accident-prevention service. On the basis of the observations, a series of proposals was formulated to improve matters. They were implemented by the employer in collaboration with the manufacturer of the machines and the installer of the sawdust-extraction system.

All the machines were connected to a very reliable sawdust extractor. The collector of shavings and sawdust was installed outside the workplace with the necessary protective devices against fire and explosion. For the hand-held tools, a movable arm was installed above the worktable with a connection between these machines and the central sawdust-extraction system. Further, high requirements were placed on the purchase of safe machines. They are augmented by additional protective devices that go further than the legal requirements. Attention is also given to the noise level, for example, by the selection of low-noise saw blades. Further, much attention is given to having a tidy workplace and to the safe storage of material and equipment. The workplace is itself cleaned every day with a special vacuum cleaner.

The efficiency of the results

After carrying out the changes, the installation was again subjected to a thorough inspection by the external accident-prevention service together with the employer. It was noted that the sawdust-extraction installation worked very well. The protective devices of the machines and the order and tidiness in the workplace were judged to be excellent.

The participation of the employees

The employees were involved in the inspection of the installation before and after the changes. Further, the employees are responsible for the daily maintenance of the workplace.

The costs and benefits

The cost/benefit ratio is not the first concern of the employer but rather the safety and health of his personnel. These improvements are part of the policy of the firm that is directed to the enhancing the well-being of its employees. A sawdust-extraction installation that works well and a well-maintained workplace, along with the safety and health of the employees, also benefit the quality of the work.

Entrepreneur's Testimony "We aim at being an example of quality and good manufacturing practices. This is the only way forward for small business managers."