Inspection Detail

Inspection: 310488267 - Modern Pro Packaging Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On July 11, 2007, an employee had completed the set-up thermal form machine for a production run plastic blister display packs. He was in the early stages of the production run when plastic blister packs began jamming at the cutting die. According to witness statements, this was a common practice at the beginning of a run because the cutting blade on the die often needs adjusting in the early stages. According to the employee, the employer routinely ties plastic zip ties around the interlock switches protecting safety doors that give access to the die, because opening the doors cuts power to the heating element as well as the die, causing the die to cool, representing a cost and time loss. It was also noted that the employer did not have an operative Injury and Illness Prevention Program or a written Hazardous Energy Control Plan in spite of being cited for these issues previously. The involved equipment was a thermosetting machine manufactured by Brown, Inc., Model Number SR-2025 and Serial Number 14353. The machine had a shop designation number of 2. The employee sustained amputation of three fingers on the left hand, when he reached into the die of a thermoforming machine when the die cycled. The employee was hospitalized and treated for amputations of fingers.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, MACHINE OPERATOR, CAUGHT BETWEEN, HAND