Woodworking Safety Tips

Introduction:
Woodworking is a popular way to grow a handyman business. If you have carpentry skills or are willing
to learn, woodworking services could help you find new customers or build repeat business with your
existing ones.
Like any service you provide, woodworking can create new handyman business risks that you will need
to manage. Updating your existing handyman risk management plan could help you safely add
woodworking to the list of services you offer. Here are ten woodworking safety tips you might consider:

1. Wear safety equipment

Woodworking can be dangerous in many ways. Loud power tools might affect your hearing. Debris could
fly into your eyes. Stains and varnishes may irritate your skin. Wearing appropriate safety equipment
every time you work could help you avoid injury and stay healthy. Consider the following:

Safety glasses or goggles

Earplugs
Work and latex gloves
Face masks
Steel-toed boots

2. Wear appropriate clothing

Baggy and loose clothing can get caught on saw blades and other power tools. Wearing fitted clothing
suited to woodworking might help you avoid these types of accidents. It’s also important to remove
dangling jewellery or scarves before starting work, as these can also get caught on or in your tools.

3. Avoid distractions
Power tools demand your full attention. Taking your eye off a saw, nail gun, or drill for even a second
could result in injury or damage to a customer’s home. Minimize distractions, such as conversation or
music while you work. Always finish what you are doing or come to a safe stopping point before looking
away.

4. Avoid alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drugs can impair your reaction time and ability to focus on your work. This can be dangerous
when you are woodworking (or doing any handyman project). Avoid alcohol while on the job and
carefully read the warnings on prescription and over-the-counter medications. It may be necessary to take
time off until you are fully recovered rather than potentially work impaired.

5. Keep your tools contained

If a project requires you to switch tools often, it can be tempting to leave them out so you can quickly
grab them as needed. However, this could potentially create a tripping hazard for you, your customers, or
anyone else nearby. Keeping your tools in a toolbox or neatly contained to a single area could help reduce
falls, cuts, and other safety risks.

6. Disconnect power to tools when not in use

Leaving tools plugged in when you’re not using them could lead to accidents or injuries. You may not be
the only person able to access your tools, particularly while working in a customer’s home. Disconnecting
power tools when they’re not in use could prevent unsuspecting adults or curious children from turning
them on.

7. Use a single extension cord

Using a different extension cord for each tool is convenient, but it could also be a hazard. Switching to a
single cord for all tools helps reinforce the habit of disconnecting tools when not in use (see the previous
tip). It also minimizes the number of items in your workspace that someone could trip and fall over.

8. Use sharp blades and bits

Dull blades and bits can be dangerous. They can cause your tools to work harder and increases the
potential for kickback or bind. Sharp blades and bits will make cleaner, more precise cuts which are better
for you and your customers!

9. Check for nails, screws, and other metal

Spinning blades and metal don’t mix. Before cutting, check wood for old nails, screws, or other bits of
stray metal. This can help prevent injuries caused by kickback or flying metal, as well as prevent damage
to your tools.

10. Have appropriate business insurance

Even with a comprehensive handyman risk management plan, accidents may still happen. Business
insurance, including General Liability coverage, could help protect you against expensive injury or
property damage claims made by a customer or other third party.
Carpenter's main duties are to:
Move, measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials. Read, prepare and interpret blueprints and
drawings.
When working as a carpenter, ensure you follow safety procedures such as wearing personal protective
equipment (PPE), using tools correctly, maintaining a clean workspace, and being aware of potential
hazards.