Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 201691300 - Employee's Fingers Are Amputated While Cleaning Machine
| Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301278818 | 02/09/2004 | 2431 | 321918 | Dba Duramar Interior Surfaces |
Abstract: On February 2, 2004, Employee #1 with Duramar Interior Surfaces (a manufacturer of melamine panels and laminate and hardwood flooring), was working alone on a thermal press machine (a lamination press) when he noticed that the laminate paper appeared dirty. He checked the end of the machine where the finished product is automatically placed on a pallet. Employee #1 failed to lock out the machine because he thought that wiping off the dirt would be fast. At the time of the accident, a gear, chain and sprocket mechanism had been removed while awaiting a replacement part. The chain is located 49 in. above the ground. When Employee #1 tried to wipe off the dirt with a towel by reaching over the chain, it caught his left jacket sleeve and pulled it in. Employee #1 used his right hand to try to pull his left hand away from the chain. His right hand then became caught in the machine. After Employee #1 called for help, a coworker turned off the machine. Employee #1 was hospitalized at Western Medical Center for amputation of his right ring and pinky fingers and nerve injury to his left arm and left pinky finger. The employee that had removed the guard indicated that he left it off due to the difficulty of removing and installing it, and due to the light traffic in this area.
| Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 301278818 | Hospitalized injury | Amputation | Pressing machine operators |
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