On November 5, 2017, a member of USW Local 2-94 suffered multiple injuries to his left hand and arm. The complete details are unknown but preliminary information is that a winder helper, was attempting to remove loose paper, when his left hand and arm were caught in an in-going nip point on the #88 Winder.

A winder break occurred resulting in a need for a drum splice. The initial attempt to tail the winder resulted in the paper tail breaking off. The winder helper was positioned between the cradle and the drum that was turning at thread speed identified loose paper around the in-going nip between the roll of paper and front drum. While removing the loose paper, the winder helper’s fingers became caught in the unguarded in-going nip. His arm was drawn into the nip to the upper arm below the shoulder by the time the operator was able to hit the Emergency Stop.

Since the incident, the mill has stopped the practice of drum splices. Engineering designs and upgrades are being assessed.

Health, Safety and Environment Staff, Steve Sallman, is assisting the local with the investigation.