http://www.fox4news.com/story/28204196/freak-accident
In the last few months I’ve personally seen more than a few poor safety decisions in the Wood Shop, including:
- wearing earbuds while operating power tools, isolating the operator from his surroundings
- having earbuds dangling while operating the jointer
- not wearing ear protection while standing next to the loud, running dust collector while operating a palm sander for several minutes
- wearing a stocking cap with long dangling tassels while operating spinning power tools
- reaching across the running table saw blade from the side while holding/guiding a piece of wood someone else was ripping
Please, think safety and follow common sense regarding protective devices like goggles and earmuffs, keeping clothing and other dangly bits tucked in, and being aware of your surroundings.
A moment’s distraction or one poor decision can make for life-altering consequences.
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While this is one of the more extreme cases I’ve seen, I’ve know several experienced workers who carry scars and missing parts to remind them of a moments lack of attention.
Be aware of what you’re doing a simple mistake can cost more then you think…
I agree with both of these comments. Putting safety first is an essential element of the Makerspace.
If you don’t pay attention to your surroundings, help others to remember to be safe and ask if you don’t know how to operate a piece of machinery, you are going to have an accident. Too many accidents can happen if we don’t help each other be safe. In the woodshop years ago in High School I saw a student with long hair working at the lathe. She did not put her hair up and it got caught in the wood lathe. It pulled a great deal of hair from her head. It can and does happen when you aren’t being safe. Thanks guys for bringing this to the attention of the group.