Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1451824.015 - Cleary Building Corp.

Inspection Information - Office: Madison Area Office

Investigation Summary

At 6:45 a.m. on December 17, 2019, an employee working as a machine operator for a truss manufacturer was cutting 2-inch by 8-inch dimensional lumber using a Spida Machinery Model 9801 Radial Arm Saw. The employee was using his left hand to sweep wood debris from beneath the rotating saw blade which was parked in the most rearward position. The employee struck the blade with his left hand middle and index fingers. The saw was equipped with a guard that partially enclosed the blade while parked in the most rearward position. However, the guard was broken exposing most of the saw blade. While parked, the saw blade was positioned behind the backstop of the saw. During saw cuts, the lower portion of the blade was not guarded by any device such as one that would self-adjust to the material being cut and prevent inadvertent contact with the blade. The employee partially amputated both fingers and was hospitalized.

Keywords: Amputated, Amputation, Catch Point, Cleaning, Cutting, Debris, Finger, Hand, Inexperience, Instantaneous amputation, Lack of Work Procedures, Lumber, Machine Guarding, Machine operator, Misjudgment, Misjudgment of Hazardous Situation, Partial Amputation, Radial Saw, Saw, Sawblade, Struck By, Traumatic Amputation, Truss, Unguarded, Wood Board