Inspection Detail

Inspection: 126082254 - California Combining Corp

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On February 21, 2003, Employee #1 was assigned to clean the vinyl laminating machine Number 8 by the production supervisor so the machine can be ready for the next production run. Employee #1 turned off the machine before the cleaning process began, but the power cord remained intact to its power source. As he was cleaning the machine with a rag, the production supervisor walked by and demonstrated an easier method to clean the machine. He turned the rollers running and asked Employee #1 to watch out for his hands while cleaning the machine. A moment later, Employee #1's right hand was drawn into the running rollers. He yelled for help as he attempted to pull his right wrist out under his own power. Employee #1 somehow managed to retrieve his wrist but his hand was degloved and his tendon on his shoulder was injured. Apparently, Employee #1 had never cleaned the vinyl laminating machine prior to this accident. It was also suspected the employer did not provide adequate training on how to clean the machine safely in accordance with the company's standard procedure. Lock out/tag out procedures was not followed. His employer did not establish, implement nor enforce the use of hazardous energy control procedure to prevent unintended machine movement during the cleaning of the vinyl laminating machine. His employer also had instructed its employees to leave the machine energized, and the standard procedure was to have the rollers running in reverse during the cleaning process. Employee #1 was taken to USC Medical Center for surgery.

Keywords: ROLLER--MACH/PART, CAUGHT BETWEEN, LACERATION, HAND