Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120318209 - Bartlett Industrial Staffing

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

On September 16, 2004, Employee #1 was operating a "Jet" bench grinder/sander, Model Number B65-8, Serial Number 2020163. Employee #1 was using the sanding belt to sand off metal burrs on a rectangular piece of steel measuring 2 inches by 4 inches by 5 inches. The accident occurred when the grinder/sander broke off its base and the top portion fell towards Employee #1. Employee #1 heard a loud noise and the grinder "jumped upward". He immediately stepped backward with his hands raised. He did not know his right thumb had been cut off just above the first joint until he felt pain and took off his glove. Employee #1 did not try to catch the falling grinder, and he does not know how his hand was cut. It appears that the injury occurred simultaneously when the grinder broke off its base. Employee #1 was taken by another employee to the Valley Occupational Medical Center where his thumb was cleaned and he was given shots in the thumb. Employee #1 was then told to go to Pacifica Hospital for further treatment, and the other employee drove him there. Employee #1 was not given treatment at Pacifica Hospital and was asked if he had insurance coverage. After he called his employer to verify his insurance coverage, the hospital gave him the names of three hand surgeons to contact for further treatment. After attempting to contact one doctor without success, he called his employer and asked if someone could pick him up from the hospital. He was taken back to the job, where he got his car and drove himself home. He was later contacted by his employer and told to go to Holy Cross Hospital. He was taken there by his brother in-law. Employee #1 had surgery on his thumb and was released from the hospital at about 8:00 p.m.

Keywords: GRINDER, AMPUTATED, GLOVE, THUMB