Robert,
As you found, we do have a Health and Safety Forum and sadly several of our members have reported some severe injuries from their woodworking tools -- I think it is safe to say that all of them have admitted that they were at fault -- either not using a proper push fixture or working tired or being distracted. We all need to be attentive to every operation we take on these tools -- I'd put the table saw as the most common tool to cause injury. It is imperative that the saw is setup properly (blade parallel to miter slot; fence parallel to blade; blade height set properly; hold-downs or finger boards or push blocks are used) and that the hands of the operator always stay no less than 4 inches from the blade. I am a proponent of zero clearance inserts, since they make it nearly impossible for a thin cutoff to get stuck next to the blade and become a missle. I use a set of Board Buddies whenever ripping and a crosscut sled for the majority of panel or small part cuts. In short, I keep my hands away from that 3600 RPM slicing blade because it does not forgive even a little! I also wear personal protective gear to protect my eyes, ears and lungs.
If I am doing special operations like making a vertical cut against a fence, I use a sliding jig like this one I made for doing raised panels -- the work piece is solidly held in position and my hands are no where near the blade when the cut is made.
Bottom line -- think first to be sure your operation is completely safe! Don't get distracted by anything and know your working limits -- never work tired!
