As a carpenter, your business is unique and faces its own set of hazards. It is possible that this line of work involves the use of heavy machinery or tools as well as manual labor in difficult conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), classifies Carpenter by performing any or all of the following tasks:
- To meet client needs, follow blueprints and construction plans
- Install structural and fixture components, such as window molding and moulding
- Wood, plastic and other materials can be cut and shaped to the desired size and shape by measuring, cutting and shaping them.
- Build and install the frameworks of buildings, such as walls, floors and doorframes
- Replace damaged frames or fixtures
- Direct and instruct construction workers and other laborers
The BLS states that there are 956,300 carpenters as of 2022. The risks are expected to increase as this industry grows and evolves. Health and safety is a priority for anyone who wants to start a business or already has one.
Are you prepared to build a solid program for carpentry risk assessments? Use the following guidelines to lay a solid foundation.
Training
Carpenters learn on the job, or in apprenticeships. Under the guidance of more experienced carpenters, they may begin by doing simple tasks such as cutting and measuring wood. Then they progress to more complicated tasks such as reading blueprints or building wooden structures.
Many groups sponsor apprenticeship programs, including unions and contractor organizations. Apprentices are required to complete a certain number of hours in technical training as well as paid on-the job training for each year. The requirements for apprenticeship programs vary by type and region.
Apprentices are taught carpentry basics as well as blueprint reading, math, the building codes, safety, and first aid. Also, they may receive specialized instruction in creating and setting up concrete forms, rigging and welding, building scaffolds, and working in confined spaces. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (10-hour) safety course is required for all carpenters.
Basic Skills
Carpenters who are self-employed must have business skills. They need to bid on new jobs, track inventory, and direct workers.
Attention to detail: Carpenters need to be able measure, cut and modify materials precisely.
Dexterity: Carpenters use many tools, and they need good hand-eye coordination in order to avoid damaging or injuring materials.
Interpersonal skills. Carpenters must work in a team and be able to help others. Also, they may have to interact with clients.
Math skills: Carpenters use math skills to calculate area, size and the amount of materials needed.
Strength of body: Carpenters use tools and materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Carpenters must also be able to stand, climb or bend for long periods of time.
Ability to solve problems: Carpenters can work on their own with little supervision. Carpenters must be able modify materials and adjust onsite in order to complete a project.
Comprehend complex instructions: Carpenters require advanced reading skills to understand and follow complex instructions, such as those for installing doors.
Step 1: Assessing your risks
Carpentry risk assessments should consider situations that could compromise health and safety. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Exposure to loud noises from machines and tools
- Exposure to molds, fungi, and bacteria which could cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems.
- Exposure to certain cancer-causing substances, such as wood dust.
- Work in awkward positions or perform repetitive tasks or lift heavy objects.
- Flying particles can cause eye injuries.
- Working outdoors, you may be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Take a look around you. What materials are you using? What tools do you use and where are you located? These questions can help you manage your team and property, and prevent thefts, fires and injuries.
Here are some examples of questions you can ask to evaluate your equipment and material:
- Work with flammable liquids or combustible fluids? How do I store these liquids?
- Do I use safe lifting techniques when lifting heavy objects?
- Do I follow current safety standards for the safe handling of equipment and tools?
- What is the current way I dispose of my waste and debris?
- Do I have a proper system in place to regulate the quantity of materials on site? Are materials being stored and secured properly?
- Does the emergency procedure seem to be clear? Is this posted somewhere visible?
Then, consider your team. Consider periodic refresher courses to keep your carpenters up to date on workplace health and safety, whether they have been working in the field for many years or just completed an apprenticeship.
If you use woodworking machines, powered or manual hand tools and/or hand-held power tools at work, make sure all employees know how to operate them safely and evaluate their skills.
You can also ask the following questions to assess your carpenters:
- Have I thoroughly checked each employee’s background?
- Are you familiar with the hazards that are associated with equipment or materials?
- Do all employees wear personal protective equipment?
- Are my employees taking enough breaks? Are my employees exhausted or stressed?
- Do you know how to report a hazardous situation or an accident?
Step 2: Assessing your risk
After identifying the main risks that your business faces, evaluate your existing mechanisms to mitigate them. Consider implementing a program of loss prevention where you commit to following certain standards to protect your employees and property. The scope of work, the team you have, and the size of your business will determine the specifics.
Both employees and managers share responsibility for loss prevention. We’ve listed what each group can bring to the table in terms of a proactive approach to risk management:
Management
- Provide a safe work environment, including tools, equipment and other items.
- Create, implement, monitor, and support a loss prevention plan through training, supervision and analysis.
- Management controls are necessary to prevent loss by identifying hazards, communicating them, and controlling them throughout the company.
- Review the incident reports to ensure that you take prompt action.
- Monitor the application and effectiveness of your loss prevention program, making any necessary modifications.
- Include in the performance review how well employees adhere to standards of safety, health and loss prevention.
- Review loss prevention efforts with your employees on a regular basis.
Employees
- Participate in all aspects, such as training, performance evaluation, and documentation, of the Loss Prevention Program.
- Learn how to safely handle all equipment and tools.
- Clarify with the management any uncertainties regarding processes or rules.
- Regular inspections and cleaning will help to maintain a safe work environment.
- Know the process for reporting an incident or potential threat.
Step 3: Evaluate, review, and improve the risk response
Monitor the performance of your loss prevention program once you have successfully completed your carpentry assessment and launched it. It is necessary to review your policies regularly and set up check-ins with employees for feedback.
Risk is a factor that is always hovering over a company owner. Using these simples tips, you can keep danger out of the workplace and your company running accident free.