An 18-Year-Old Laborer Dies When Pulled into a Clay Moulding Machine (Pug Mill), California

SUMMARY

An 18-year-old laborer died when his arm was pulled into the auger compartment of a clay moulding machine (pug mill). The victim had been on the job for one month. The victim was instructed not to go near the machine when in operation without supervision. The incident was unwitnessed and it is uncertain why the victim approached the machine. The machine operator left the machine running and unattended while he left to help another operator on another machine. At the time of the incident, there was no guard around the auger compartment. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent similar future incidents, employers who manufacture clay materials should:

• Ensure that machinery with moving parts is properly guarded.
• Ensure that new employees are adequately supervised while working with or near operating machinery.

An 18-Year-Old Laborer Dies When Pulled into a Clay Moulding Machine (Pug Mill) – California [PDF 365 KB]