CAUGHT IN METAL PRESS

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1935, Page 6

CAUGHT IN METAL PRESS

BOY’S TERRIBLE ORDEAL

WORKER IMPRISONED 30 MINUTES.

REMARKABLE FORTITUDE SHOWN.

ACCIDENT AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

His hand imprisoned in the jaws of a metal stamper, Albert Bullot, aged 18 years, an employee of Mr. J. Kibby at his boot and shoe factory in Devon Street, New Plymouth, displayed remarkable fortitude for more than half an hour yesterday until his workmates released him by dismantling the heavy machine with wedges and crowbars. Bullot was fully conscious throughout the ordeal and remained calmly in his seat, occasionally offering a suggestion ot encouragement to those working to release him- His left hand was terribly crushed by the 12-ton impact of the metal dye stamper, and two fingers were subsequently amputated at the New Plymouth hospital. . The machine in which Bullot’s hand was caught is used in the pressing of metal utilised in the manufacture of boots and shoes and is operated by a trigger and clutch. Inserting his hand to withdraw a sheet of metal from the jaws of the vise, Bullot apparently touched the release, with the result that the stamper caught his hand before he witdraw it. By the prompt action of other workmen, who Stopped the machine before the full weight of tbe stamper Could come into operation, Bullot was saved more serious injury. The stopping of the machine involved considerable risk of injury to the others. Once the drive had been disconnected those Who endeavoured to release the unfortunate workman were faced with the unhappy alternative Of bringing the full weight of the stamper into Operation before the vise could, be released or of leaving Bullot imprisoned until the machine could be virtually dismantled and the crushed hand withdrawn. With work at desperate pressure, over 30 minutes elapsed before the men could insert wedges and crowbars and release ‘the pressure. Bullot was rushed to the New Plymouth hospital, where an operation was performed. Ixist night his condition was reported to be satisfactory.

--The accident occurred at' 11.45 o’clock yesterday morning. The injured mail endured the entire period of hte imprisonment without medical attention or anaesthetic. ' ‘ ,