What should I look at in a pallet maker’s safety record around saws?

Begin with the history. Ask whether the seller keeps a log of injuries, near misses and equipment problems, and how those were followed up. A shop with no entries at all might simply not record them. Ask staff, away from the owner, how they feel about working around the saws.

Next, walk the floor. Look at the guards, emergency stops, lighting, floor condition and how offcuts are cleared. Notice whether anyone has taken a guard off for convenience, and whether workers use protective gear as a habit or only when someone is watching. Look at how the saws are maintained, including blade changes and alignment.

Then ask about training. Who teaches new workers, how is it recorded, and how are they checked before they run a saw alone? Ask how the shop handled the last incident and what changed afterwards. A pattern of repeated problems is a stronger warning than one past event. Ask your insurance advisor how the record affects coverage, and consider a qualified safety professional to look over the shop before you take it on. Return on a different day, unannounced if the seller agrees, to see normal habits.

Key takeaways

• Ask for the incident and near-miss log, and speak to staff privately.
• Check guards, stops and habits on the floor against what you are told.
• Learn what changed after the last incident.
• Ask your insurance advisor whether the shop’s claims history or storage habits affect how it is covered.