THE MOST IMPORTANT WORKSHOP SAFETY VIDEO I WILL EVER MAKE

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORKSHOP SAFETY VIDEO I WILL EVER MAKE

This is the most important workshop safety video I will ever make. If you’re an adult who’s an amateur woodworker please watch this. If you’re under 18 please also get your parents to watch this. Other workshop safety vids you might find useful:

First Aid in a Small Workshop: https://youtu.be/PGQv6Ejj-lU
Workshop Safety Basics: https://youtu.be/3ehujlUJGDQ
11 Tips to Avoid Death by Table Saw: https://youtu.be/eUx8oTIALmg

TOOLS & PRODUCTS I USE: https://gosforthhandyman.com/products-i-use
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#Workshop #Safety #Woodworking

50 Comments

  1. KeenAesthetic1 on November 21, 2023 at 10:40 pm

    Buzzkill buzzkill buzzkill.
    Fantastic points though. Thanks for making this.

  2. Tank on November 21, 2023 at 10:41 pm

    Well said. I was watching the news yesterday and they were carrying on saying car manufacturers and mobile phone companies should be taking more responsibility to stop people using their mobile phones while driving by having phone blocking software in the car. How bloody ridiculous, people need to take responsibility for their own actions, it’s not that hard to put your phone away or go hands free when driving.

  3. paul newell on November 21, 2023 at 10:43 pm

    Well put Andy as usual you’re spot on really enjoy your videos no matter what the subject is but this one is top notch and so clear

  4. loopy Head on November 21, 2023 at 10:46 pm

    Mr & Mrs Uppity are alive and well in youtube land! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM93Yc8CZ9I

  5. Jakovic on November 21, 2023 at 10:48 pm

    i am from England and i am a child i would like some power tools and my mom is thinking about it i have practised with my dad and i will never copy youtube videos as they are for entertainment and they are not a guide on your life, DO NOT RELLY ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS they are not a life guide

  6. MrFaffley on November 21, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    The tone and the message in this video are spot on. Responsibility for safety lies with the individual adult and we should remind ourselves of that regularly. I have a small workshop with a few power tools; a sign on the wall reads "Not only will these tools try to kill you, it will hurt the entire time you are dying. Safety first!"
    One of the best tips I heard was from Steve Ramsey (Woodworking for Mere Mortals) about visualising the actions you will take with a power tool on the workpiece before you do it for real. This is a good practice because with a little experience your instincts will tell you when something is not right during the visualisation and you can address that issue before it causes a problem with the power tool running.

  7. LemmingFNSR on November 21, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    šŸ‘ keep people thinking. And keep 8 year old children out of coal mines (email me if you really want the full horror story). Love ya work. Mark

  8. Philip Jeffery on November 21, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    Excellent comments, we don’t consider anyone an adult until 21, between 18 and 21 common sense and hazard perception seem to be switched ON.

  9. mark darlington on November 21, 2023 at 10:54 pm

    this I like responsibility and accountability.me good with metal complete amateur with wood got a bandsaw for wood 1st thing I got push sticks etc keep fingers away , naturally have air fed mask glasses etc this is a great reminder thank you , table saws forget it for me B & Q lol

  10. Jim Stelfox on November 21, 2023 at 10:55 pm

    I was using a electric planner in my caravan, when doing a vertical plane at the end dropped it down and it brushed my little finger. Result was a blood splattered wall and a visit to A&E to try and sew the end on my finger together.

  11. gbwildlife uk on November 21, 2023 at 10:55 pm

    All good advice, well said.
    Its a spin off from the USA law suit brigade. "Have a nice day" he said, I didnt so I sued him! The present health and safety was actually imported from USA, originally brought in over there by Nixon.
    As you say people have been doing things for 40 years and are experts, but h&s treat them like children.

  12. T. Alan Blain on November 21, 2023 at 10:55 pm

    Just found your channel. What you say about commenters criticising experienced people because they don’t view the video as safe is so true. My mantra is I like the video and what they made, now how am I going to modify what they show me so that I feel that I can make it safely for me? Well done.

  13. Ford P on November 21, 2023 at 10:56 pm

    It’s ‘Plunge’ power tools that scares the willies out of me. But do so agree with Andy regarding the wearing of loose or inappropriate clothing when using power tools.

  14. Paul Christopher on November 21, 2023 at 10:56 pm

    As I always tell apprentices… Do as I say, not as I do. If you want/need to do something sketchy, tell me! I’ll either have a safe and/or better way to do it. Or I’ll take the risk as I know what those risks are

  15. DaveC200I on November 21, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    Good video. Hadn’t really though about it from that perspective before

  16. Andrei IR on November 21, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    Excellent mention of 1984!

  17. Robin Holland on November 21, 2023 at 10:59 pm

    My best safety tip —- If it is really dangerous – get the wife to do it!!

  18. MsSaltyGiggles on November 21, 2023 at 10:59 pm

    You forgot to mention long hair

  19. Erik Johnson on November 21, 2023 at 11:00 pm

    Right on! You nailed it (sorry)

  20. Mike Wood on November 21, 2023 at 11:01 pm

    A great video, Ranty away, but please also remember complacency and distractions can also be a cause of pain, my Father-in-Law(a boat builder of more than 40 years of experience) lost 3 fingers doing what he considered a 5 minute job, everyone else was quoting an hour.

  21. sidwills on November 21, 2023 at 11:01 pm

    Great video, point very well made. I work on a farm, everything from the machinery to the livestock to the environment itself could easily kill me. If I ALWAYS used "best practice" I’d struggle to get anything done, HOWEVER, if I never followed best practice I’d be dead or maimed. Its all about understanding and managing the risk, not blindly doing things.

  22. Lizette Kristine on November 21, 2023 at 11:02 pm

    I was just seeking videos on hazards, safety procedures, and proper use and care for equipment for an Art Ed exam I am taking and found this video—so I am not practicing any of the stuff you are doing or talking about at the moment…. BUT I love what you repeat about responsibility and LOVE the comment about how shirking off responsibility is what leads to a world like 1984! It’s something I have told my students in the past as well. Yes, we have freedom, but with freedom comes responsibility, and if we don’t learn self-governance and practice self-control, somebody bigger and stronger than you will step in to control you, and that’s how we lose our freedom—which is precious.

  23. Nomad Makes on November 21, 2023 at 11:03 pm

    Hi Andy!

    I have a safety related question for you regarding dustmasks and respirators:

    You have mentioned on several occations, I dont know if it was in your videos or on the podcast, that when using dustmasks you need to change filters on a regular basis. When it comes to active filters that protect against gasses, I understand this. But when it comes to particles, I dont understand this – as long as the airflow through is sufficient enough that you dont suck in air other places than through the filter.

    Due to the horrible ventilation in my workshop, I need to wear a dustmaks/respirator more than most. And so I am looking into this subject. Also my current dustmask has replacable filters, but the shop where I bought it doesn’t supply new filters.

    Maybe you have a view on this, or perhaps it can an idea for another safety videos.

    Again, great video! And keep it up. Love the vids and the podcast.
    Cheers.

  24. Tim Doggett on November 21, 2023 at 11:05 pm

    Loved your video. I had to laugh when you mentioned a palm router. My dad, a physician no less, gave me a 7/8 hp Porter Cable router when I was 11 yo as a gift. No instructions, no guidance. Obviously he wasn’t a woodworker but he knew I loved making things. I’m in my 60s now and still use that same router. Every time I use it I think of my dad. I am grateful he gave me a quality tool that has served me well and I also think, "What the hell were you thinking!" He also gave me a lathe and bench grinder that same Christmas. I was the youngest of five kids so maybe that explains it! Loved my dad and lucky to have all my fingers.

  25. Steve Bosun on November 21, 2023 at 11:09 pm

    Hi Andy, excellent video. I do hope your viewers heed the advice.

  26. Suzanne Evans on November 21, 2023 at 11:09 pm

    I don’t think any instruction manual will say that it’s ok to ignore all safety advice, if you’ve been using the tools or machinary. If people want to do that off camera, that’s their own risk but the do as I say, not as I do, isn’t good enough when putting videos out to the public. It surprises me that you excuse it. Apart from this video, I really enjoy watching your content and have learned a lot.

  27. TinyHousesAustralia on November 21, 2023 at 11:09 pm

    Brilliant Advice šŸ™‚ Great to see videos and youtube creators like you out here …

  28. zeroy on November 21, 2023 at 11:11 pm

    top of your game and tons of experience are the primary reason for injuries. But I appreciate your trying to bring awareness.

  29. Gary McKinnon on November 21, 2023 at 11:12 pm

    Good rant, i agree. It’s like the film Wall-E, where we’er all massively overweight and being entertained all the time. Rename the channel to The Philosophical Handyman ;+}

  30. Mark Jarman on November 21, 2023 at 11:12 pm

    Pure common sense šŸ‘ thumbs down is from dumb people.

  31. BookerDesigns on November 21, 2023 at 11:14 pm

    Well your video had the desired effect on me, in that I thought much more about safe practice the next time I went to the workshop. Even for long time professionals complacency is a dangerous thing. So thank you. I particularly like the ā€˜wall of shame’. Timely reminders are important. However I don’t agree entirely with what you were saying. The analogy you made didn’t really hold water. Watching a racing car IS entertainment and most sane people are not learning how to drive on the road from it. Making ā€˜How to ā€˜ videos is instructional as well as entertaining and those making them have the responsibility to point out whether the techniques they are using are safe practice or not, as people will copy the practices shown . I’m for ever using the table saw without guard or riving knife to cut tenons etc. If I ever was showing someone else how to do it I’d bear some responsibility to tell them how to minimise the dangers. I agree that each of us bears the majority of responsibility for our own safety, but uTubers who make instructional videos should make it clear what is safe practice. This comment isnt directed at you personally by the way, as I’m impressed by your clear careful instructional channel
    Finally, the safety instructions that manufacturers throw in the box are frankly, dull image-less multi language small print and often stating the ā€˜Bleeding obvious’ and seem to be just to cover themselves rather than actually engaging the end user in learning the safest way to use a specific tool. They should put a little more effort into manufacturers safety videos perhaps? Or at least something that you might read.
    Anyway, I’m off to start my own Wall of Shame!

  32. Goblins Workshop on November 21, 2023 at 11:16 pm

    Two minutes into the video. Subbed!

  33. Ernavill on November 21, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    If you read the safety instructions you know what normal use is, and what isn’t. This means that if you do dangerous stuff you are aware of it, so you keep your wits, focus, attention etc. On what you’re doing.

    If you blindly copy other woodworkers you won’t know something might be dangerous, so you’ll drift off and like the old saying goes ‘you snooze you lose’. Except in woodworking it’s probably limbs rather than prizes or money.

    Oh and if you can’t even be bothered to leaf through the manual for 10 minutes you shouldn’t buy the tool.

  34. Gary McKinnon on November 21, 2023 at 11:19 pm

    My first table saw just arrived, trying to get it to the shed without The Empress seeing!

  35. Msp 12 on November 21, 2023 at 11:19 pm

    When you’re told the WHAT without the WHY, most likely you’ll obey it, and even worse not understand what was meant at all. Every.Single.Video on youtube speaks about Do this, Do that, but very very few actually tell the reasoning behind it.

  36. Benjamin Walter on November 21, 2023 at 11:19 pm

    Just get straight to the safety points ffs

  37. Alec Carson on November 21, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    Told as it should be.I am 83 years old and, being a builder , bricklayer and joiner off and on site for around 60 years, I still enter my shed checking by sight all power and tools, I know that when having previously exiting, something may have possibly missed my attention including the floor area. Safety First.

  38. Kevin X on November 21, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    "THE MOST IMPORTANT WORKSHOP SAFETY VIDEO I WILL EVER MAKE" I know safety is VERY important, but droning on for 15 mins is a bit over the top. Can you not get back to making vids on "handyman" stuff like you use to.
    I probably get slated for my comments, but hay ho free speech and all that. On a final note your your not the only one going off piste so to speak Peter Millard seem to be making some random vids!!!

  39. Kirstie Pervin-Davies on November 21, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    Love this video and I 100% agree with what you discussed. It’s no joke and woodworking does have risks no matter what you are using or doing. It’s important to know the risks that you are facing when in your own workshop. Nobody else’s responsibility like you say! (I read my manuals, but I will say that’s mainly because I like geeking out reading all about my tools/machines) 😜.. anyway thanks for sharing!šŸ‘šŸ»

  40. kev on November 21, 2023 at 11:23 pm

    Look forward to your chopsaw video! Wondering what went wrong for you there. Found your channel seeking info on table saw safety, as I haven’t used one in over 20 years. I had a kickback experience in high school shop class that left a nasty bruise and I haven’t touched one since.

  41. Dean R on November 21, 2023 at 11:24 pm

    The title drew me in. But I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the content.

    Aside from the tablesaw, jointer and router tips, this 14 minute lecture had very few actual practical safety tips other then…. safety is YOUR responsibility. Not a single mention of the proper use of eye and hearing protection. No tips on protecting your lungs from dust and no safe techniques in using the most common power tools found in woodshops. Where is the advice on using guards, hold downs, push sticks and jigs to reduce the chance of injury? What about body position when operating a tool with potential kickback? What about reducing clutter around your tools and preventing trip hazards? And keeping tools properly maintained and calibrated to assure not only accurate cuts, but safe ones as well.

    And encouraging viewers to stop posting comments on other YouTubers channels borders on dangerous. It doesn’t matter how much experience a YTer has, we ALL make mistakes. And some of those mistakes are recorded in videos for other ~ LESS experienced ~ craftsmen to copy. If a YTer can’t take a bit of criticism when an obvious safety issue is exposed in their videos, they have NO business posting videos for the general public to view and possibly repeat. WE, as the viewing audience, are our own checks and balances. We learn safety in two ways. From the mistakes we have made and from the mistakes OTHERS have made and passed along their experiences.

    I am a professional carpenter with nearly 40 years of experience. And I can proudly say I have had only ONE serious accident in all that time. And it was in high school in shop class long before I knew what the hell I was doing. I have been trained over the years by some of the finest carpenters in the states and in Germany. And safety was the bulk of that education. I’m not saying this to blow my own horn. I’m just reiterating what you are preaching about in this video. But just telling someone to use common sense is about as effective as telling a teenager to flush the toilet. To operate safely in any shop, we need practical, step by step instructions on the physical handling of our tools and preventative techniques to keep us safe in our workplaces.

    With all my criticism of this video, I greatly respect what you are trying to do and I know your heart is in the right place. It is easy to see you have a passion for your craft and are adamant about safety. That is a very good place to be and a very good example to set for your viewers. I will be subscribing to your channel and I look forward to viewing your content.

    Thank you

  42. dwgustaf on November 21, 2023 at 11:25 pm

    Personally I keep all of my manuals in a place where I can quickly refer back to them if I have any questions. And If i can find digital copies online, I try to download those to my phone or my storage server so that I can access them that way also. Plus it never hurt to reread them every once in a while.

  43. Douglas Brown on November 21, 2023 at 11:26 pm

    dear sir ive just watched your video on a safety switches but when it got to the wireing part i could ‘nt see what you where doing with the wires did your mains wire go in the bottom of your switch and the 4 gang go in the top of the switch i saw the earth wires go into the chock blockand aftre that you lost me, hope you can understand my explanation

  44. Cintu Lator on November 21, 2023 at 11:29 pm

    "Wall of shame" …a great idea!

    Every vocational school should have one!

  45. Nick Google on November 21, 2023 at 11:31 pm

    Not a good point mate, IMHO. YT-videos are _not_ for entertainment only. I think that a youtuber should point out if he decides for whatever reason not to follow good practices.

    As a parent I have the reasponsibility to be a good example for my child. As a youtuber I am not in the same way responsible IMO, but a good youtuber will try to be a good example as well _or_ if he has a reason not to do so (even if it’s his lazyness or whatever) he should at least point out that this is not good practice.

    Last not least: people commenting what would be good practice can help others. I have learned a lot from comments, where I otherwise would have thought that what was shown in the video is "how one does this"!

  46. Aerial Camera & Video Imaging on November 21, 2023 at 11:32 pm

    ALWAYS ALWAYS… SAFETY FIRST.
    Thank you.

  47. cybernessful on November 21, 2023 at 11:33 pm

    Why don’t you think that these kind of comments are not for you or for putting responsibility on someone, but warn anybody who reads the comments? I mean, if you see that someone does something not safe on youtube or in the real live, won’t you tell your daughter to not do it by any means, because it is not safe?

  48. Mickey Theis on November 21, 2023 at 11:35 pm

    So many of us (myself included) are our here using these tools without being mindful of safety. We can all benefit from your message. Thank you for emphasizing safety in your videos.

  49. Norman Pedersen on November 21, 2023 at 11:37 pm

    One of my fav pieces of advice (In this case, a lathe) :

    Remember this – the lathe wants to hurt you.

  50. holden on November 21, 2023 at 11:39 pm

    jokes on you, i go on racing videos and comment that they shouldn’t be driving that fast.

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