Inspection Detail

Inspection: 315027615 - Moss Farms

Inspection Information - Office: Boise Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 3:05 p.m. on September 30, 2010, Employee #1 and a coworker (piler) were located in a potato cellar, working to fill it with potatoes. While the coworker was operating the piler machine remotely from the left side of the cellar, Employee #1 was on the right side securing ventilation pipes in place. During securing of the ventilation, Employee #1 noticed that dirt and mud were accumulating on a belt roller that was located about 8 feet above the ground. Without securing the piler machine, Employee #1 stepped onto a portion of the piler frame and reached up to remove the accumulated dirt and mud. The glove on his right hand became caught between the belt and roller of the machine, pulling his arm into the machine to a point just above his elbow. The coworker activated the machines emergency stop button and Employee #1's arm removed. Employee #1 was taken to a nearby medical facility, where he was hospitalized and treated for crushing injuries to his wrist, forearm, elbow, and upper arm.

Keywords: FRACTURE, PPE, FARM MACHINERY, MACHINE OPERATOR, CAUGHT BY, LOCKOUT, CAUGHT BETWEEN, CRUSHED, ARM