Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1374508.015 - Paradise Garden Center, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: San Bernardino District Office

Investigation Summary

At 7:55 a.m. on January 3, 2019, an employee was working as a laborer for a landscaping service. He was at a worksite that was a fixed facility consisting of a commercial indoor and outdoor area. He was an employee of the employer, and the incident occurred at the place of employment. He was operating a chain saw to cut tree branches. As he was cutting, one of the branches moved quickly, and the employee's left hand came into contact with the moving chain. The index finger on his left hand was partially amputated. The employee went to a community hospital, and the finger was reattached there. He was not hospitalized. A representative of the employer reported the injury to the San Bernardino district office at 3:10 p.m. that same day. The employer reported the incident to the Division, pursuant to Title 8 CCR Section 342(a), in a timely manner. A CSHO from the San Bernardino district office arrived at the site and opened the investigation at 2:45 p.m. on January 28, 2019. One of the factors that caused the incident was that the employer failed to ensure that the employee was trained and instructed in the areas that include the hazards involved in the job assignment of tree trimming and proper safe use of all equipment, including, but not limited to, safety equipment and personal protective equipment. The incident would have been prevented had the employee been properly trained. No Serious Accident Related violation of Title 8 CCR was determined. Other violations were found, however, and the employer was cited.

Keywords: Arborist, Chain Saw, Climbing On Column, Cutting Chain, Equipment Operator, Finger, Glove, Laceration, Landscaper, Landscaping, PPE, Partial Amputation, Struck Against, Training, Tree, Tree Trimming