Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Iowa: Female Machine Operator Killed When Working on a Punch Press

摘要

A 43-year-old female machine operator died while operating a punch press on June 25, 1998. When the punch press operates, small sections of the metal sheet, called knockout, slugs, or scrap, drop below the press and accumulated on the die bed directly below the die. During one cycle, the press struck a pile of slugs ejecting them towards the operator. Many of the slugs struck the victim in the neck, while other pieces were scattered on the floor. The victim was transported to a local hospital and died in the emergency room. Recommendations based on our investigation are as follows: (1) Ensure that machines are guarded as specified in 29CFR 1910. (2) Designate a competent person to conduct frequent and regular site safety inspections. (3) Develop, implement, and enforce a written safety program. The safety program should include task specific safety procedures and employee training in hazard identification, avoidance, and control.