Clean-up Person Killed by Saw

A clean-up person at a veneer manufacturing plant died as a result of wounds received after being struck by a rotating cut-off saw.

What happened?

The victim and a co-worker were in the process of clearing a jammed log from the sawline while the cut-off saw was rotating. Another coworker, located in the sawline control room, was notified to stop the saw rotation. He reached for the saw rotation stop switch, located next to the cut-off cycling switch on the control panel, but he inadvertently pushed the cut-off cycling switch

The rotating saw cycled through its stroke across the sawline, striking the victim, amputating his right leg and severing parts of his chest and abdomen. The victim was transported to a local emergency room and pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigators concluded that employers can prevent similar occurrences by:

• Ensuring that lockout/tagout procedures are developed and implemented to protect workers from exposure to hazardous energy.
• Ensuring that control panels are configured to prevent inadvertent activation of assembly line functions.
• Develop, implement and enforce a comprehensive safety program that includes training of employees in hazard recognition and avoidance.