Teen Worker Caught in Machine

A teenage worker died when his head became caught in the pasta-making machine he was operating. His job was to put the ingredients into the machine. The operator was supposed to have been protected from the machine’s moving parts by a stainless steel guard.

If the guard was lifted, a safety device was to have stopped the machine. Investigation of the fatality showed the guard had not been working properly for several months before this happened. Workers had developed a practice of using the machine without the safety device.

The young worker had been excited about his promotion to pasta maker two days before his death. He had been warned by his bosses not to operate the machine without the guards in place. While his supervisor was away having a cup of coffee, he tried to use the machine.

Machine guards must be in place and working properly before any equipment is used. Equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained. If you are an experienced worker you still have to follow all safe procedures and precautions. If you are a new worker, make sure someone trains you and is supervising closely.