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Finger amputated by jewelry polishing wheel

I am a parent of an injured student. Injury took place while polishing a piece of jewelry......what can be done to prevent such a thing? Should bracelets be polished on polishing wheels? The bracelet became caught in the wheel and came back around and amputated a finger. Is this common?

Kimberly
parent of injured student - New England
2004

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2004

I am sorry to hear of your child's pain, Kimberly. We deleted your last name and town because you should not make a posting on the internet if there is a chance you may be suing someone.

If it happened in school, there may be a deficiency in training, or a guard missing from the wheel. If it happened at home, who instructed him/her in use of this piece of power equipment? Should bracelets be polished on polishing wheels? Only if you know what you are doing and are alert to the dangers. Was he/she wearing leather gloves at least?

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Hi,
Very sorry for your child. Bracelets are polished on fast moving polishing wheels, however it needs a lot of training to do so. It is very clear in your child's case, the instructor was not paying attention or did not brief his ward of the dangers of polishing a long piece of jewellery like a bracelet, neckchain etc.,
You are entitled to pursue a legal course in your case..
My best wishes...
MIKE

Mike Lingen
- Songkhla, Thailand
December 9, 2011