Ignoring Signs Cost Worker His Legs

Warning signs won’t necessarily stop employees from committing dangerous acts, as a recent incident in Wilmington, NC, showed.

Despite hazard warning signs on a baler, which is used to recycle cardboard, Wastec employee Edgar (Ernesto) Gonzalez climbed on top of the machine and then inside the hopper. The machine started up automatically and amputated both the man’s legs below the knees.

The state department of labor is investigating the incident hoping to prevent a recurrence. The company reportedly is looking at enhancing its machine operator training program.