Hand and power tools are integral to the efficiency of our workplaces but they are also extremely dangerous and account for hundreds of thousands of injuries every year. Safe use of these tools is imperative for a healthy and productive workplace. Here is a list of things never to do with a hand or power tool.

Never start work without scanning your work area for possible hazards. Make sure that the cord won’t get caught on any materials and that the work area is clean. A clean and organized work area is the first step to efficiency and safety.

In the few minutes that it will take to read this article, thousands of tons of a marvelous building material will have appeared on earth. Though of great strength, generally it is very light in weight. It is economical to buy. It is readily available to almost all peoples of the earth. Its appearance is absolutely beautiful. Yes, earth’s forests continually yield an unending supply of usable wood.

Woodworking is still widespread today. You may be planning to make something out of wood yourself. If so, will you be using hand tools or electric power tools? What principles should you keep in mind in order to do the work safely?

Can a sliding miter saw cause kickback? Yes, in a sense. Many woodworkers are familiar with the unnerving experience of having a sliding miter saw blade bind in piece of wood; in the middle of a cut, you feel a sudden, violent jerking backward of the motor and blade unit. Such an event is not as likely as other forms of kickback to cause serious injury, but it can leave the operator with a desire to move on to something safer - like sanding or sweeping the floor.

In conjunction with Woodworking Safety Week 2008, here are a few tips for safe working with hand tools. Covered in this video are the chisel, knife and saw mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2FnSiwNVTc&hl=en

Designed for people who require in the workshops, and other areas the use of hand and power tools. Explains basic safety standards, electrical protection and general safety procedures. SafetyInstruction.com Agriculture Training Series. www.safetyinstruction.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itmh0R5GyQo&hl=en