Keep your hands out of the blade’s path and maintain control of the stock. Small pieces can shift unexpectedly, so use a method suited to the machine—and stop if the work cannot be guided safely. OSHA recommends push sticks or other hand tools for moving small stock while keeping hands away from the point of operation. Follow the saw’s manual and applicable shop rules for the specific cut.
Before cutting: decide whether the cut is controllable
Before switching on the saw, check that the workpiece can be supported and guided without putting your hands in line with the blade. Confirm that the guard and other safety devices are working and can remain in place. If the stock is unstable, the cut cannot be controlled, or a safety device would have to be removed, do not proceed with that setup. Choose a suitable jig or another cutting method instead.
Never saw freehand on a table saw or mitre saw. If stock binds or moves out of control, stop the machine; do not reach near a moving blade to correct it. Wait for all moving parts to stop before clearing or removing material.
Use a method suited to the saw
Table saw: use a push stick for narrow or short stock
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends a push stick for narrow stock—for example, when the fence is less than about 15 cm (6 in) from the blade—stock shorter than 30 cm (12 in), and the final 30 cm (12 in) of a longer cut. These are CCOHS recommendations, not a universal substitute for the saw manufacturer’s instructions.
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Keep your hands out of the blade line and use the guard, spreader or riving knife, and anti-kickback fingers as prescribed for the operation. Stand out of a possible kickback line. A push stick is a way to keep hands farther from the blade; it does not make an otherwise uncontrolled cut safe.
Mitre saw: observe the minimum-size guidance
CCOHS advises not cutting pieces shorter than 20 cm (8 in) on a mitre saw. This is CCOHS guidance; check the manual for the particular saw and follow any stricter machine-specific limits. The workpiece should rest solidly on the table against the fence, and should not be held or cut freehand. Wear eye and hearing protection as directed by the manual and applicable shop rules. Do not leave the saw until it has stopped completely.
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Bandsaw: prevent turning and keep fingers away from the cut
Hold the stock firmly and flat on the table so it cannot turn and draw fingers toward the blade. Keep hands clear of the cut line; use a push stick when your hands would otherwise be close to the blade or when removing pieces from between the fence and blade. Adjust the blade guard close to the top of the material, and check that the blade and guides are in good condition. Wait for the blade to stop before removing stock.
Choose a push tool for the operation
A push stick or other hand tool can help move small stock while keeping hands away from the point of operation. CCOHS gives 45 cm as an example push-stick length for cutting wood within 30 cm of the blade. Select a tool or jig that suits the machine, stock, and cut; do not assume one push tool is suitable for every operation.
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If no push tool or jig lets you keep the workpiece supported and controlled while preserving the required guard and safety devices, use a different method. There is no universal safest machine for every small cut: the right choice depends on control, support, machine safeguards, and any minimum-size or manual restrictions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Guidance and scope
OSHA’s woodworking guidance is U.S. workplace guidance; CCOHS provides Canadian occupational safety guidance. Their recommendations help identify hazards and practical controls, but do not replace the saw’s manual or applicable shop rules. CCOHS’ mitre-saw fact sheet was confirmed current on 2025-05-27; its push-stick fact sheet was confirmed current on 2024-12-17.
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- OSHA: Woodworking — Machine Hazards — Point of Operation
- CCOHS: Mitre Saws
- CCOHS: Band Saws
- CCOHS: Table Saws
- CCOHS: Push Sticks
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