Sowers Construction Inc: OSHA inspections and violations

Incident on Jan 14, 2014: Carpenter operating hand saw partially amputates finger

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on January 14, 2014, Employee #1, employed as a carpe nter by a general construction contractor specializing in framing for new housin g construction, was working at a commercial building. Employee #1 was operating a Skilsaw hand-held saw and cutting 2-inch by 6-inch lumber, and he cut his left hand. Emergency services were called, and Employee #1 was transported to the Un iversity of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. He was admitted and treated for partial amputation of the left middle finger. Employee #1 was disch arged January 15, 2014. The employer reported this event to Cal/OSHA at 2:54 p.m . on January 23, 2014. Cal/OSHA initiated its investigation on April 7, 2014. Th e investigation determined that Employee #1 had worked for the employer for appr oximately six weeks and was performing his daily duties, cutting 2-inch by 6-inc h lumber for construction, when the event occurred. The investigation included i nterviews with Employee #1, his supervisor, and a coworker. There were no witnes ses to the event. The supervisor was elsewhere on the site when the event occurr ed. The investigation concluded that Employee #1 had been operating the hand-hel d saw with one hand and holding the pieces of lumber with his other hand. The em ployer did not correct this unsafe work practice. In addition, the wood moldings being cut were not properly secured. However, due to lack of evidence of employ er knowledge, Cal/OSHA did not issue a Serious citation, but did issue a General citation according to CCR Title 8 Section 3203(a).