Inspection Detail

Inspection: 312694037 - Builtform Construction, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: San Francisco District Office

Investigation Summary

On September 25, 2012, an employee, of Builtform Construction, Inc., was working as a Journeyman Carpenter at a construction site for new single-family housing. He was making 14.5-inch blocks out of a longer length of redwood lumber, intending to place the blocks between the joists. He had to make an "L" cut on one of the pieces to allow for an opening for electrical cords/wires. He used a chop saw to make a 2-inch deep cross cut approximately 4 inches from one end of the block. He then placed it on a table saw, DeWALT DW 744 with 10- inch blade, to remove 2 inches along the grain of the wood. The table saw was equipped with the blade guard and anti-kickback teeth, and he was using a push stick. When the rip cut intersected the earlier horizontal cut, he turned off the table saw and lifted the piece without waiting for the blade to come to a complete stop. The work piece became stuck between the blade and the fence and pulled his hand in toward the blade. His left index finger was amputated, and his middle finger was lacerated. The employee was transported to California Pacific Medical Center Davies Campus, where he underwent surgery to reattach his severed index finger. He remained in the hospital for one week. Investigation identified the cause of the accident as improper use of the table saw and poor choice of the tool. The employer's knowledge could not be established.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, CARPENTER, FINGER, CONSTRUCTION, SAW, LACERATION, LUMBER, BLADE, TABLE SAW