Abstract: At about 10:00 a.m. on May 4, 1992, a machinist at HCH Machine, Inc., set up a large metal cylinder in the chuck of a Moris-Seiki turning center lathe. He then had Employee #1, a janitor, clean up brass metal chips that were in the lathe from the previous job. While cleaning up the chips, Employee #1 inadvertently and unknowingly depressed the chuck release foot pedal (which was guarded), allowing the metal cylinder to release and fall. The edge of the cylinder struck Employee #1 across the left wrist, lacerating it to the bone and severing several tendons. First aid was administered and Employee #1 was then transported by the employer to Mercy Folsom Hospital, Folsom, CA.