Work Health & Safety – Carpentry, cabinet making, timber work experts

Introduction

Experts in this field have focused their studies on carpentry, including cabinet making and other forms of timber work. WH&S relates to the management of risks to the health and safety of anyone visiting a business, including workers, customers, and suppliers. In this case, it primarily relates those carrying out carpentry works and anyone who might be affected by the manner in which they are performed. Working with timber can have potentially dangerous consequences if WH&S standards are not observed.

Some of the consequences of inadequate WH&S in carpentry can be quite detrimental, including injuries during the construction of objects, and injury to the end user if they are not made safely. There are the usual musculoskeletal considerations of any work space, as well as the considerations of using timber, especially in a construction site setting. Common issues with timber work include improperly fitted timber frame, posing a fall risk, the potential inhalation of wood fibres when cutting timber, necessitating the wearing of face masks, and the potential for rough pieces of wood hurting users of the finished product, especially in cabinet making.

WH&S expertise in this area is usually sought to promote the well-being of all visitors and workers in the construction space, and to ensure safe practices are being promoted and enforced, as to avoid any minor or fatal injuries. Protecting workers and visitors in this way both safeguards their personal health and the interests of the construction or carpentry company, protecting them from legal action.

Experts in this area come from many professional backgrounds. Many will come from a construction background, having worked in carpentry before. Some will be trained OH&S experts, or generalised ergonomists. They may also come from a medical background, from doctors specialising in injuries at work to physiotherapists. The specific specialisation and background needed in your carpentry expert will be determined by the matter which requires examination.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

Experts in WH&S as it relates to carpentry can be called upon to assist in policy design, enforcement and creation of safety measures, injuries sustained at work as a result of a timber related issue, and cases involving construction issues.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Wood Dust - Health Hazards and Control: Fact Sheet

A Safework resource on the dangerous inhalation of airborne wood fibres, and how to prevent it.

Construction

A Safework Australia resource on the WH&S as it relates to construction, much of which is pertinent to this field.

National Code of Practice for the Safe Handling of Timber Preservatives and Treated Timber

A comprehensive document on the health and safety considerations of handling certain types of timber.

Relevant Cases Pedersen Holdings Limited v Accident Compensation Corporation [2006] NZACC 203 (28 August 2006)

A case in which a construction worker was injured whilst handling timber.

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