Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300831757 - Nestle Usa

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 12:30 a.m., on September 14, 2005, Employee #1, refrigeration mechanic, with the manufacturer of frozen handheld foods. The accident occurred in the flour transfer station where flour is pumped from a truck in to a silo. The transfer system consists of a pump, pipes, and a sifter. Employee #1 whose normal duties include repairing and maintaining equipment. During the time of the accident the employee was assigned to diagnose a problem with the flour transfer system. The flour transfer system would frequently get clogged. Typically, the transfer problems were a result of the pipes being clogged. Employee #1 had unclogged the system in the past. On the day of the accident the employee found that the sifter was the cause of the stoppage. Per the injured employee, once the sifter was deenergized the auger would continue to rotate of several minutes before slowing to a stop. The employee shut down the system. The auger had not come to a stop prior to the employee placing his hand in to the opening for the inlet side of the sifter. The Division determined that a Serious Accident Related Violation of California Code of Regulations 3314(c) for failure to ensure that the auger was stopped prior to engaging in cleaning (unjamming) activities. Employee #1 was transported to UCLA medical center in Santa Monica and was treated for an amputation of the index finger on the right hand to the first knuckle.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, CLOGGED, HAND