WorkCover New South Wales is calling for more rigorous safety standards for the timber industry, after a disquieting 700 injuries were reported from manual handling in the last three years.

The wood products manufacturing industry (including manufacturers of wooden doors and windows, roof trusses and wall frames, kitchen cabinets and joineries) has a strong history in the country, but has also been highlighted as one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. WorkCover NSW says there were 1,965 compensation claims in the three years to 2010 at a cost of $19.5 million to the workers compensation scheme.

A third of all inuries come from manual handling duties, but General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson says they can mostly be prevented: “Manual handling risks have been identified in these workplaces, including poorly designed delivery and despatch areas, working at the wrong height while manufacturing and assembling products, and manually moving timber and products through the workshop.Despite these risks, we believe manual handling injuries are preventable and businesses can do more to create safer workplaces.”

To help businesses in the wood manufacturing arena stay safe, WorkCover has developed a Wood Safety CD which features practical tools and tips to avoid injuries. More information and access to copies of the Wood Safety CD are at WorkCover NSW’s website.