Struck-by in Wood & furniture
Struck-by hazards remain a persistent risk in wood and furniture shops, where heavy materials and high-speed machinery create a dynamic environment for potential injury. By implementing proactive safety measures, small shop managers can effectively shield their teams from the common dangers associated with falling lumber, flying debris, and moving equipment.
About 100% of related real accidents concentrate in these types.
Key prevention
- Implement rigorous housekeeping protocols to keep walkways clear of offcuts and debris that could cause tripping or falling hazards.
- Ensure all heavy lumber and finished furniture pieces are stored on stable, weight-rated racking systems to prevent accidental tipping.
- Mandate the use of appropriate machine guards and anti-kickback devices to contain flying wood chips and prevent material ejection.
- Establish clear traffic patterns and designated zones to separate pedestrian movement from material handling and forklift operations.
- Require consistent use of high-impact personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and hard hats, whenever employees are near active cutting or assembly areas.
Related accident cases
While cutting wood, a piece of lumber fell and struck the employee's left side of the face with a hydraulic saw.
A worker died after being struck by falling lumber during work. The incident was attributed to other wood materials.
An employee was cutting wood with a circular saw when the saw jammed, resulting in a finger laceration. The employee received medical treatment.
An employee was injured when struck by a piece of wood ejected from a cutting machine during a cutting operation.
During loading and stacking operations of lumber in the sawmilling and wood processing area, an employee was fatally struck by lumber.