Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 201796208 - Employee Amputates Three Fingers While Operating Miter Saw
| Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301328969 | 08/23/2002 | 1752 | 0 | Joe Larry'S Hardware Floors |
Abstract: At approximately 9:00 a.m. on August 7, 2002, Employee #1 and two coworkers were installing a new hardwood basketball court in a gymnasium. They had been on this job for approximately three weeks. Employee #1 was operating a portable, 120 volt, 10 amp, 4,600 rpm, Makita miter saw, Model Number LS 1030N, that was equipped with a telescopic blade guard. The saw was connected to two extension cords; one an orange extension cord that went from the saw to the second extension cord. This orange cord had one of its male prongs broken off, which was stuck in the female plug of the mating extension cord. This broken prong caused the electricity to the saw to fluctuate. Additionally, the mating extension cord was plugged into a spider box. Employee #1 yelled to one of his coworkers to twist the mating extension cords to try to make the conductors line up and provide current to the miter saw. While the coworker was jiggling the cords, Employee #1 was pushing the trigger of the saw, testing for power. As Employee #1 was pushing the trigger and urging his coworker to plug in the cord, the saw reenergized. Employee #1's left hand was on the table near the miter saw, which amputated his index, middle, and fourth fingers upon energization. Employee #1 was transported to the San Dimas Community Hospital, where he was hospitalized and treated. He was released two and a half days later. During the accident investigation, a coworker stated that he knew about the problem with the extension cord and had placed it under other items so it would not be used until he had a chance to repair it. However, the cord was not removed from service nor was it tagged as defective. The miter saw itself had warning labels and a safety button on the top of the hand grip, and a safety button that had to be depressed before the trigger could be engaged.
| End Use | Project Type | Project Cost | Stories | Non-building Height | Fatality | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other building | New project or new addition | $50,000 to $250,000 | 1 | 50 | |||
| Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 301328969 | Hospitalized injury | Amputation | Construction laborers |
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