Inspection Detail

Inspection: 303150254 - Schuck Component Systems

Inspection Information - Office: Arizona Division Of Occupational Safety And Health (Adosh)

Investigation Summary

On December 1, 1999, Employee #1 became entangled in the feed mechanism of the precision block saw and sustained amputation of the entire right hand, just below the wrist. Employee #1 was working as a "tailman", palletizing pieces of 2-ft by 4-ft wood blocks when they came out of the block saw. Employee #1 was not trained, authorized, or instructed on how to operate a precision block saw. While the authorized block saw operator was using the restroom facilities, the tailman stepped around to the operator's position, started the saw, and began cutting operations. During this process he became caught in the feed mechanism that utilizes a chain drive as a pressure foot to hold the material when it enters the saw blade cutting area. Employee #1 failed to activate the functional emergency shut-off cable. Instead, he used his left hand to hold against the guardrail to prevent being pulled into the saw as he felt his feet being lifted off the ground. His right hand continued to be pulled towards the saw blade and was amputated. Employee #1 was hospitalized.

Keywords: CHAIN, AMPUTATED, GUARDRAIL, SAW, ENTANGLED, BLADE, HAND