Iron and Steel Forging

NarrativeAt 9:00 a.m. on August 10, 2017, an employee was operating a 400 ton Bliss Coin "Knuckle" mechanical power press. The press was actuated while the employee's right hand was in the point of operation. The employee's right ring and middle fingers were amputated.

NarrativeAt approximately 4:30 p.m. on August 9, 2017, a maintenance mechanic was leaning into an operational forge press to investigate why the ingot feed conveyor was not operating properly. The employee stepped onto the foot pedal as he was looking through the machine frame. The press cycled and the employee was struck in the head with a descending forge die. The press operator was nearby and ran to help the employee. Before the operator could reach him, the employee stepped on the foot pedal again and the press cycled a second time, striking his head again. The press operator was able to pull the mechanic free of the machine and summon assistance. The employee suffered skull and face bone fracture and brain trauma. The employee was hospitalized and treated for his injuries.

NarrativeAt approximately 9:45 a.m. on July 15, 2017, Employee #1 was using tongs to move a piece of red hot metal while Employee #1 operated the forging hammer press. When the ram of the hammer struck the metal part, the part shattered sending shards of hot metal in all directions. One of the shards hit Employee #1 in his abdomen and caused internal organ damage. Employee #2 was also struck, but the shard just grazed his leg, causing a laceration that required 10 stitches to close. Both employees were transported to a medical center. Employee #1 received treatment at the medical center for internal injuries and was then hospitalized. Employee #2 received first aid treatment and sutures to close the leg laceration and was not hospitalized.