Highland Woodworking Blog

We’ve reached the end of Woodworker’s Safety Week 2011, and we thought we would cap it off with a comprehensive list of safe operating procedures that was submitted by one of our readers, Dave Durrant. Dave has a copy of this list posted near the front of his workshop so he can look at them every day, and he offered to share them with the rest of our readers. We’ve included an online version and a PDF download of the list, so you can download your own copy and post it at your workshop if you would like. Here’s what Dave had to say about his list:

When working for an auto manufacturing company, safety placards were installed on all stationary power tools. This was done as part of an overall plan to create a safer work environment.

This influenced me to reflect that I also need to be more safety conscious at home. I have hung a framed copy of these “Workshop Safe Operating Procedures” in my workshop entryway above the light switch. I now see these safe operating procedures each time I enter my workshop. I have since provided framed copies of “Workshop Safe Operating Procedures” for each of my woodworking buddies for their workshops. I wish to share these safe operating procedures with all woodworkers.

Check out Dave’s Workshop Safe Operating Procedures HERE
Download a copy of Dave’s Workshop Safe Operating Procedures HERE

We hope everyone had a very safe week in their workshops this week, and that you’ve learned a lot to help make every day and week just as safe. At Highland, we believe Woodworker’s Safety Week is important as it draws attention to the idea that we could all be a little bit more safe in our workshops, and all the great safety information and tips distributed on blogs this week makes us think about how we can improve. Let’s keep it up, and all make sure that we are thinking about these ideas every week and every day.

Have a safe and great woodworking weekend, everyone!

Do you have a great idea for staying alert and helping to avoid injuries in your workshop? If so, we want to hear about it! Receive a $25 store gift card if we feature your tip in a future issue of Wood News.

For Woodworker’s Safety Week 2011, we are offering daily tips all week for staying more safe in the workshop.

Today’s tip comes from Jim Mullen of Wichita, Kansas. His idea is so simple, and yet something that many of us don’t think of when we are working all day in the shop.

As a hobbyist woodworker, I often find myself out in the shop after work, and sometimes after dinner. As a diabetic, I also recognize when I feel lightheaded and tired, there’s often a good reason – my blood sugar numbers are low. Upon the advice of my endocrinologist (diabetes doctor), I now keep a few small bottles or boxes of fruit juice in the shop. When I feel sluggish, I take a break, grab one, and check my numbers in 10 minutes or so. Often, I’m ready to get back to my project shortly thereafter. Even for folks who aren’t diabetic, staying focused when blood sugar is low can be an issue.

I would also consider getting a cheap small hotel room size fridge for the shop. They don’t take much space or power and can keep those goodies cool in summer and from freezing in winter. Often, they can be found on Craigslist or at garage sales.

Have a very safe 2011 safety week, and happy woodworking!

Do you have a great idea for staying alert and helping to avoid injuries in your workshop? If so, we want to hear about it!. Receive a $25 store gift card if we feature your tip in a future issue of Wood News.