Health and Safety Executive

Health and safety in the woodworking industry

Image of a cross cut saw

The woodworking industry has one of the highest accident rates in manufacturing, most of which are caused by contact with moving machinery. This accounted for 25% of all major accidents and one of last year’s two deaths in the woodworking industry.

This website will help you manage woodworking risks, as well as provide you with regular updates on health and safety issues.

Getting started

Health & safety made simple

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Chipper canter incident

A maintenance worker received crushing injuries whilst replacing a faceplate on a chipper canter when the hood closed on him.

Find out more

Managing woodwork safely

Key elements to managing woodwork safely within your business include:

Managing woodwork safely

Industry guidance

Specific health and safety guidance is also available for the following:

More industry guidance

Introduction to woodcutting machinery

Below are a number of examples which illustrate safe practice in the use of:

More examples


Directgov - Business Link

Updated 10.11.11