Safety Monitor Scott Lebsack with Greg Kohn and Steve Simecek
Lorraine Wilson
The unmistakable hum of machinery fills the Robson Ranch Woodworkers Club as members pour in for their much-anticipated time at the woodshop. The clinking of tools, the buzz of power tools, and the scent of sawdust intermingle, a testament to the activity within this growing community. However, amidst the creation, safety remains the cornerstone of this woodworking haven.
With a steady flow of new members, the club maintains a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture where woodshop safety takes precedence. For every newcomer seeking to join the ranks, a mandatory safety training class acts as the gateway, ensuring that every member is well-versed in the essential practices that underpin a secure woodworking environment.
The reality of woodworking is that minor cuts, splinters, and Band-Aids are inherent in the craft. Yet, the club prides itself on creating a space far safer than the solitude of individual garages, emphasizing the importance of assistance, supervision, and proper equipment for all woodworkers, regardless of experience level.
On any given busy day, up to 20 to 30 members converge upon the shop, navigating the limited space of only six workbenches. The ebb and flow of individuals is self-regulated, but the challenge of managing peak-hour crowds is met with a blend of common sense, effective communication, and an experienced Safety Monitor.
Safety Monitors, the vigilant guardians of the woodshop, are central to safety at the woodshop. Every Monitor undergoes a comprehensive training class, instructed by seasoned Monitor professionals Boyce Irwin, Bob Hestes, and Greg Hennings. After completing the class, new Monitors are required to shadow experienced counterparts before signing up for and assuming monitoring duties.
To further bolster Monitor ranks, the club is pioneering a Monitor Mentor program, poised to pair experienced Monitors with novices, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and guidance. As one experienced Monitor stated recently, “I monitor to give back to my fellow woodworkers who, in turn, monitor so I can work on my projects. We are a community built on helping each other, and that is what monitoring is all about.”
However, the woodshop’s doors remain firmly shut unless a dedicated Monitor signs up for a shift, emphasizing the voluntary commitment of these dedicated woodworkers. In a bid to incentivize more participation, a Monitor Incentive program was introduced earlier in the year, rewarding Monitors with a monthly prize ranging from wood supplies to Amazon gift cards, safety gear, or club memorabilia.
The dedication of the Monitors embodies the spirit of community in the woodshop and a shared commitment to safety within the Robson Ranch Woodworkers Club. As they continue to expand their membership and expertise, the club remains steadfast in its pledge: Growth must always align with safety. In this bustling space of creativity, safety is not just a rule; it is the unwavering thread woven into the very fabric of our woodworking experience.