Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1395322.015 - Dura-Fibre, Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Appleton Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 6:10 a.m. on April 19, 2019, an employee was performing service work on a baler. The Balemaster (Model: 44750-10, G, J, J, 4, Q, T, U, X, Z, 7, Z, 9; Serial Number: B1022-04-13389583) had five swords which became lodge in a bale while attempting to pull wire through to tie the bale at the end of the process. A third shift maintenance coworker began working on the baler and successfully removed the swords before handing it to his maintenance supervisor at approximately 5:40 a.m. The maintenance supervisor assessed the piece of equipment and began servicing it without performing lockout/tagout. The maintenance supervisor made a jig with a flexible conduit tube and metal hook taped with electrical tape. At approximately 6:00 a.m., the employee assisted in retrieving the metal hook on the opposite of the baler from the maintenance supervisor. The employee did not perform lockout/tagout prior to placing his hand in the danger zone. As the flex tube and metal hook went through the opening, it broke. The maintenance supervisor decided another approach would be needed, discussed it with the employee and then walked away. The maintenance supervisor observed product piling up in the chute leading to the baler and decided to reverse the ram in order to empty the chute. The maintenance supervisor was not able to see the other side of the baler when he was at the controls. While reversing the ram, the employee's hand was in an opening in an attempt to reach the wire. The employee's hand was severed from the ram and end of equipment. The employee yelled and was provided with medical treatment from designated first responders followed by local EMTs, where he was transported to the hospital.

Keywords: Amputated, Baler, Hand