OSHA scrutinizes woodworking plants for Amputation risk. (Trends & News).

Woodworking facilities that use saws are being scrutinized by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration as part of its expanded National Emphasis Program on Hazardous Machinery Associated with Amputations.

Effective Nov. 9, 2001, in addition to mechanical power presses, all types of power presses, as well as press brakes saws, shears, slicers and slitters are included in the program. According to OSHA, the two types of saws most frequently reported as involved in amputations are table saws and radial arm saws. Other types of saws under review include chop saws, miter saws, band saws and hand-held saws.

Plants using guillotine shears and slitters, such as those involved in the plastic overlay and film industry, are also under scrutiny by OSHA.

In determining the types of plants to scrutinize, OSHA used a new system that calculates industry amputation hazard rates using injury data and violations of machine safeguarding standards. Five woodworking-related industries, including millwork, cabinetry and office furniture, ranked in the top 13 for most multiple amputations during 1996-1998.

Also falling under the directive are companies listed under SIC 2511 (wood household furniture, except upholstered), SIC 2451 (mobile homes) and SIC 2499 (wood products not classified elsewhere), due to the fact that they use the targeted machines. Establishments with fewer than 10 employees are also included in the program.

Under the new initiative, local and regional OSHA offices will conduct outreach programs to identify, reduce and eliminate workplace hazards associated with the targeted machines. Outreach programs began in late December and early January, 45 to 60 days after the Nov. 9 directive. Inspections were to begin 45 days after the outreach period was initiated. OSHA has said it will pay particular attention to those companies previously found in non-compliance with mandated machine guarding and safeguarding practices.

According to the OSHA report, "When used in conjunction with push sticks or push blocks as required under 29 CFR 1910.213(s)(9), safeguards can minimize the potential for injuries. For repetitive sawing operations or for jobs when standard guards cannot be used, jigs, featherboards or a combination of the two can be used to minimize or eliminate employee exposure during sawing operations. When the saw is used for ripping, additional safeguards are required in the form of spreaders and/or anti-kickback fingers."

A complete copy of the OSHA directive can be found at www.oshaslc.gov/OshDoc/Directive_data/CPL_21_33.html.

Top Industries for Multiple Amputations (1996-98)

(In descending order, highest incidence industry at the top)

SIC Code

3089      Plastics Products, Not Elsewhere Classified
3444      Sheet Metal Work
3441      Fabricated Structural Metal
3714      Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories
3599      Industrial and Commercial Machinery and
          Equipment, NEC
3443      Fabricated Plate Work (Boiler Shops)
2431      Millwork
2421      Sawmills and Planing Mills, General
2434      Wood Kitchen Cabinets
2448      Wood Pallets and Skids
2541      Wood Office and Store Fixtures, Partitions,
          Shelving and Lockers
3496      Milscellaneous Fabricated Wire Products
3429      Hardware, Not Elsewhere Classified

Source: OSHA