Inspection Detail

Inspection: 308512565 - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Department Of Labor, Licensing, And Regulation Division Of Labor And Industry Maryland Occupational Safety And Health

Investigation Summary

On March 14, 2005, Employee #1 was located in a receiving area near the rear of a store, operating a walker-stacker in order to lower a pallet from a storage rack. The walker-stacker was powered by an electric motor and was operated from a rear position. The operator walked behind the stacker, while pushing a handle into a middle position, which disengaged the brake. As Employee #1 was backing the walker-stacker in order to position it, his left hand became pinned between the control handle and a storage rack. Several coworkers came to Employee #1's assistance and freed his hand. Employee #1 was hospitalized and treated for an amputated left index finger. The accident investigation revealed that the employer was not at fault. Employee #1's employer had provided online training to all operators and administered a written exam, which all operators were required to score a passing grade. In addition, the employer required hands on training and an evaluation before any operator is permitted to use a walker-stacker. This training occurs on an annual basis, which Employee #1 was up to date on.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, PINNED, EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, CAUGHT BETWEEN, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, STORAGE RACK, STORAGE AREA, BACKING UP