Abstract: Employee #1 was working for a tree service company as a grounds-man whose duties were to operate the tree chipper and feed the chipper with tree branches cut by another employee. On the day of the accident, Employee #1 was doing his regular duties as chipper operator at the tree trimming job sites. The chipper became plugged with chips and Employee #1 removed some chips from the chipper. Employee #1 thought it had been unplugged but actually the chipper remained plugged. On next job site, Employee #1 tried to operate the chipper but found the chipper was still plugged. Employee #1 stopped the chipper engine and disengaged the clutch but did not wait long enough to let the chipper rotor blade stop. Employee #1 removed the blower tube connector plate from the discharge chute and put his hand into the chipper to remove the chips. Three fingers of Employee #1's right hand were amputated by the chipper rotor blades that were still turning. The injured employee was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.