Inspection Detail

Inspection: 18583039 - Standard Products Co

Inspection Information - Office: Ky Labor Cabinet Division Of Osh Compliance

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 was working as a tail off operator in back of a Rousselle part-revolution mechanical power press, serial #30509, model #10SS100. There was one operator in front of the press and two operators in back of the press; both the set-up man and Employee #1 were new, inexperienced employees. The part being made on this piece rate operation was weather stripping for the 1988 Tempo and Topaz. The press was equipped with 12 small dies, with a conveyor system that extended 2 in. in front and back of the dies, and extended the entire 62 in. width of the dies. The press was activated by two sensors located on the conveyor system in front of the press. There was no point of operation guard or device. The press was grossly overloaded and the top stop overrun built into the press by the manufacturer had been bypassed by the company when rewiring and/or modifying the press. Employee #1's job consisted of removing stock, capping, inspecting, and placing it in a container. One of the dies was dull or not properly adjusted for tonnage; it was necessary for Employee #1 to reach between the dies and break off slugs as the die was not cutting them. No hand tools were provided. The press had made a stroke but had not stopped on top because the top stop was bypassed when the press was operating in continuous mode. The set up person turned off the press, inched the press dead center to the top stop, did not lock the press off, and then immediately put the press back in continuous mode without checking to see if it was safe to operate. Employee #1 still had his hand between the dies and suffered the near amputation of his left index finger due to crushed bones. He remained under a doctor's care as extensive surgery and recovery was required; parts had to be removed from his toe to repair his finger.

Keywords: POWER PRESS, FINGER, OVERLOADED, CRUSHED, INEXPERIENCE, POINT OF OPERATION, UNGUARDED, INATTENTION