Occupational Health and Safety Issues in Ontario Sawmills and Veneer/Plywood Plants: A Pilot Study

Dave K Verma,Paul Verma,Don Shaw,Lawrence Kurtz,Tom Welton,Karen Des Tombe,Cecil Demers,Murray Finkelstein

doi:10.1155/2010/526487

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted within the Ontario sawmill and veneer/plywood manufacturing industry. Information was collected by postal questionnaire and observational walk-through surveys. Industrial hygiene walk-through surveys were conducted at 22 work sites, and measurements for wood dust, noise, and bioaerosol were taken. The aim of the study was to obtain data on the current status regarding health and safety characteristics and an estimate of wood dust, noise, and bioaerosol exposures. The occupational exposure to wood dust and noise are similar to what has been reported in this industry in Canada and elsewhere. Airborne wood dust concentration ranged between 0.001 mg/m3 and 4.87 mg/m3 as total dust and noise exposure ranged between 55 and 117 dB(A). The study indicates the need for a more comprehensive industry-wide study of wood dust, noise, and bioaersols.

Highlights

Ontario sawmills and veneer/plywood plants are an important part of the Canadian forest industry
Considering there were over 340 firms in Ontario defined as small business, the low response rate made it difficult to characterize small firms with confidence
The Ontario sawmills and veneer/plywood industries employ a large proportion of young workers who by definition are under 25 years of age

Summary

Introduction

Ontario sawmills and veneer/plywood plants are an important part of the Canadian forest industry. The forest industry is an invaluable natural resource and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The majority of the forested land in Canada is controlled by the government. They are made up of softwood, hardwood, and mixedwood forests, but the majority is softwood. Green logs enter the sawmill where they are first debarked and cut into cants that are further cut into finish pieces of lumber using either circular saws or band saws. Once lumber is cut to size it may be sold as green lumber or may be stacked and dried to specific moisture content through air or kiln drying. Kiln drying involves stacking wood in shed-like structures and ventilating with hot air for 10 to 30 days

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Discussion

Conclusion