HSE are currently inspecting woodworking businesses to ensure dutyholders know the established health risks associated with woodworking, including wood dust, and have effective controls in place to keep workers safe and protect their respiratory health.
In 2022/23, HSE carried out more than 1,000 woodworking inspections and found 78% of businesses were not compliant in protecting workers from respiratory sensitisers (primarily dust from hardwoods, softwoods and composite materials such as MDF).
This resulted in 402 enforcement actions taken by HSE. Key areas of concern included:
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Housekeeping (including dry sweeping of wood dust)
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Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) maintenance and thorough examination
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Selection of and face fit testing for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
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Health Surveillance for exposure to wood dust
To ensure your woodworking business is managing the risks and is prepared for an inspection, we have free resources and guidance to prevent exposure to dust and protect your workers’ respiratory health:
You can get further information about the campaign by viewing our press release.
Each year, around 12,000 people die from work-related lung diseases linked to past exposure to hazardous substances at work.
These figures include inhalation of wood-dust that can cause occupational asthma and, in the case of hardwoods, sino-nasal cancer. View the statistics.
These deaths are preventable if exposure to the risks is effectively controlled.
Inspectors will check that woodwork is planned correctly to minimise risk; and that adequate control measures are in place to protect workers’ health.
Through our inspections of a variety of woodworking businesses, we are highlighting the risks of occupational asthma and the devastating impact lung disease has on workers’ lives.
A joinery firm has been fined £20,000 for failing to control its employees’ exposure to wood dust.
HSE inspector Marcus Pope said: “This case sends out a clear message to the industry that HSE will prosecute when inspectors find serious health and safety failings, particularly when previous enforcement and advice has been provided.
“Exposure to wood dust causes various occupational lung diseases which can significantly affect the quality of people’s lives, and in some cases result in premature death.
"HSE continues to target the woodworking industry and strongly urges businesses to consult its website for further information to ensure that control of exposure is managed, and their statutory duties are complied with.”
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