A WOODWORK lecturer has today reassured potential craftspeople that accidents are rare, in the wake of a terrible injury that sent shockwaves through the industry.

A WOODWORK lecturer has today reassured potential craftspeople that accidents are rare, in the wake of a terrible injury that sent shockwaves through the industry.

Mike Staff, senior lecturer and course leader for furniture and woodmachining courses at Suffolk College, spoke out after 14-year-old Curtis Hook nearly lost two of his fingers in machinery while on unsupervised work experience at a furniture factory.

Mr Staff said: "What an awful introduction young Curtis Hook has had into the wood trades. His work experience turned into a nightmare and now Curtis says he will not be looking for a career in the furniture industry. Sadly last Friday's headlines may have deterred other youngsters from the trade.

"An incident such as this creates shock waves throughout the industry and although the majority of firms are extremely safety conscious an event such as this reinforces the need for scrupulous precautions."

Mr Staff said: "All furniture and wood working companies are potentially hazardous zones, however, most firms operate strict training programmes.

"Fortunately such a situation seldom occurs, however, not all employers opt for college training schemes, preferring to do their own in-house training."