Like any other physically demanding occupation, carpentry is not without the possibility of injury. Accident prevention is a skill that most manual workers acquire through on-the-job training operating under the guidance of more seasoned colleagues. In fact, unless you’ve studied carpentry in depth in an educational institution, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a book explaining all of the dangers that carpenters face on the job.
The four most frequent health and safety hazards that carpenters face on the job are discussed in this article. We also offer tips on how to prevent these hazards and lower the likelihood of accidents occurring on the job.
Regardless of what risk-management strategies you employ, do not neglect to investigate your carpenter insurance needs and requirements. Having insurance can ensure that you are cared for in the event that something goes wrong.
Electrocution
Carpenters aren’t technically electricians because electrical wiring isn’t part of the job description; however, their duties do sometimes overlap with those of electricians. Carpenters need to know the basics about how electricity works in homes and businesses. You need to be able to spot live wires, locate the mains, and shut off the power to a specific location or the entire building. There is always a chance of becoming electrocuted, even if you are aware of the risks and take measures to prevent them.
The following are some of the measures you can take to avoid electrocution on the job:
- Make sure there are no electrical hazards in every project you work on.
- Put on protective clothing like gloves and safety boots before handling electrical tools or working near electrical cables.
- Regularly inspect and service all electrical components.
- Inspect your power tools for frayed cords, damaged plugs, and other signs of wear that could cause an electrical fire.
- If you have any power tools, check them for any damage.
- You should evaluate the efficacy of your current techniques of risk control and make improvements if you find that they are insufficient.
- If you have the option, use portable tools that don’t need to be plugged into an outlet; for instance, battery-powered drills.
Falling
When you’re not putting exterior and wall cladding, mending broken tiles, or laying tiling, you’re probably up on the roof making repairs or installing sheathing and gutters.
Accidental deaths from falls are a constant worry for carpenters. Accidental falls from great heights are an inherent risk. You can prevent this from happening whether you’re working independently, with coworkers, or as a supervisor of a team of carpenters.
The following are some recommendations for reducing your risk of falling while performing your regular work:
- Install gangways on structural frames if you need to work at heights for multiple days.
- Ensure that you don’t waste time setting up and bringing down ladders and suspended gangways by planning your job accordingly.
- To prevent yourself from falling down any exposed holes, shafts, service pits, or gaps, cover them throughout the duration of the project. Keep your portable ladder in good condition by inspecting it frequently. Remove any rust and wipe it down regularly. Replace it if it starts to look like it is in poor condition.
- If you need to make repairs to something on the ceiling without risking injury, you can simply lower the chandelier or other removable fixture to the floor before starting work
- Hazards in the workplace, such as open pits or electrical panels, should be clearly labeled before you start work. They will serve as a constant reminder of some of the risks you may face.
Cuts and lacerations
You make quick work of wood, steel, and other tough materials by employing a variety of power tools and electrical equipment. Every time you use them, you run the risk of cutting or slicing yourself. When you first start utilizing a tool, you put yourself in the most danger. As your skill and familiarity with it grow, the dangers you face while utilizing it will decrease.
No matter how skilled you are, accidents can happen when working with tools. Wearing gloves to safeguard your hands is standard practice when using potentially hazardous power tools like circular saws. However, gloves can also pose a risk. As you direct the plywood onto the table saw, a splinter can grab the fiber of your gloves and prevent you from safely removing your hand from the saw.
Here are a few examples of how you can protect yourself against workplace injury:
- Keep your blades and tools in top cutting condition. The tools should easily slice through the wood or whatever material you’re using.
- Make sure your non-cutting hand is safe and out of the way of the blade before you start cutting.
- Use protective gear like gloves, long sleeves, and goggles.
- Leave the covers on your blades at all times. Never leave the blades or cutting instruments in your toolbox without their covers or sleeves.
Back conditions
Back and muscle problems are common among carpenters. It’s possible that people whose occupations require them to regularly utilize tools and machinery will experience chronic pain. Working as a carpenter is physically hard, especially if you’re going it alone and expected to do all the heavy lifting. It’s no surprise that most carpenters will have back strain at some point in their careers.
- Avoiding serious injury is crucial if you experience back muscle stiffness despite taking precautions, such as using safe lifting practices.
- Keep your back straight and your knees bent if you must lift something heavy.
- To avoid straining your lower back and forearms, avoid bending down at the waist and then backwards to support the weight.