Inspection Detail

Inspection: 313506958 - Louisville Bedding Company

Inspection Information - Office: San Bernardino District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 10:50 p.m. on October 15, 2009, an employee was operating the Garnett Machine, manufactured by Wise Industries, Inc., Model Number HWO x 36, and Serial Number-4177. The line was manufacturing pillows. The employee was feeding fiber into blenders at the beginning of the line. The fiber then flowed through an opener and grinder, which was an enclosed cylinder with teeth that helped to separate or fluff the fibers. That area of the line became clogged, so the employee shut it down to unclog it. The cylinder was guarded by an interlock which would not allow the cover to be opened until the cylinder completely stops rotating. That took approximately 5 to 6 minutes. While waiting, the employee removed two screws and opened a covering approximately 15 inches further down the line. As he removed fiber inside the line, his right hand came in contact with the revolving cylinder. All five fingers of the right hand were shredded down to the metacarpal area. Coworkers assisted the employee by dismantling that portion of the Garnett machine and extracting his arm. Ontario Fire Department responded to the scene, and the employee was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center. He was admitted and later released on October 17, 2009.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, MACHINE OPERATOR, CAUGHT BY