What resulted in an operator's hand being amputated in an injection molding machine?

The amputation of an operator's hand in an injection molding machine is most directly linked to reaching into the machine while the mold was in motion, particularly when it was opening partially and became stuck. This illustrates a critical safety hazard associated with operating machinery that has moving parts.

In injection molding, the mold cycles through opening and closing actions, and reaching into the machine during these cycles can result in severe injuries. It underscores the importance of following lockout/tagout procedures, which are designed to prevent accidental machine start-up during maintenance or operational interventions. Operators are trained to wait until the machine is entirely stopped and secured before intervening.

Understanding this scenario highlights the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring. Proper procedures are essential to ensure that workers are not exposed to moving parts and can operate machinery safely.