Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120321609 - Waste Management Of Sun Valley

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At 12:30 p.m. on July 16, 2003, Employee #1 was working as a mechanic in the truck maintenance and repair shop at the employer's facility. Employee #1 was removing a hydraulic pump from a Peterbilt front loader truck, Serial Number 202169. He started to remove the pump by removing the hoses, fittings, and bolts, using wrenches. The pump is located at the front of the truck and sits on top of the front bumper under a cover. There was a small amount of oil on the pump. Employee #1 picked up the pump with both hands. The pump started to slip out of his right hand and his left hand was located at the back of the pump on the yoke behind the steel bracket. When the pump slipped, Employee #1's left hand was caught between the steel bracket and the opening for the yoke and his little finger was smashed. Employee #1 was able to remove his hand. He went to the office and told the lady there that he had hurt his hand. Another office worker came into the office about the same time. She asked him if he was able to drive himself to the doctor, and he said he felt that he could. She gave him a paper with the name and address of St. Joseph's Occupational Clinic. Employee #1 got a company truck and drove there, where he was examined and his hand was x-rayed. He was told that he needed to go to St. Joseph's Medical Center to see a hand specialist. Employee #1 drove himself to St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, where he was seen by a doctor and told that he would have to have surgery on the little finger. Employee #1 was admitted to the hospital and had surgery, with a rod and two pins placed in the finger. Employee #1 was released from the hospital on July 18, 2003. He returned to work after two months, was assigned to light duty, and was under the doctor's care for physical therapy.

Keywords: FRACTURE, FINGER, MECHANIC, CAUGHT BETWEEN, PUMP, HAND