Targeted checks highlight opportunities to lift safety in joinery sector

A recent WorkSafe initiative has found many joinery businesses could benefit from improving how they manage machine safety, workplace health risks, and hazardous substances.

The insights come from proactive visits to more than 600 wood product manufacturing businesses between January and March this year, including over 100 joinery workshops, most of them small to medium-sized.

Manufacturing remains one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest harm sectors. It accounts for the highest rate and number of injuries with more than a week off work, with around 200 injuries each year involving machinery.

WorkSafe’s assessments focused on the critical risks most likely to cause serious harm: machine safety, exposure to wood dust, fumes and chemicals, and hazardous substances management.

More than 85 percent of joinery businesses that were assessed by WorkSafe inspectors received guidance and practical support to strengthen their health and safety practices.

Project lead Savio Valladares says the most common areas needing improvement were machine safety, hazardous substances management, and local exhaust ventilation.

However, he emphasises that practical improvements are within reach.

“Making work safer starts with the basics – good training and worker engagement, effective supervision, properly guarded and maintained machinery, and controlling dust and fumes,” he says.

Managing the risks of exposure to wood dust was a consistent issue. Among the businesses assessed, common gaps included poor housekeeping, limited training, and incorrect selection or use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Overall, 56 percent had PPE-related issues.

“Exposure to wood dust can have serious long-term health effects,” says Savio Valladares. “Simple steps like choosing the right respirator and making sure it fits properly can make a big difference.”