Happened so fast. Last forty-five minutes of the shift. This project could easily be finished today. Only push it a little. Main shelves for an elaborate bookcase.
Nick had been with the factory for 18 months. Uncle Julius paved the way. At first the young man did general labour and clean-up. Also some forklift operation for receiving. Prior to Belvedere Cabinets, he had served with Christie's. Cookies and more cookies. Over-sweet smell everywhere until he was sick of it. Didn't much like desserts. Again forklift operator.
But with Julius persuasion and that wry smile of the old Croation, there had come an opening in production. Table Saw. Big industrial one. Powerful. Quick. Tightly adjusted. Almost silent. For Nick this was like riding the Cadillac of woodworking instruments!
A more experienced operator, Markus, had bird-dogged Nick in the set-up, steps and cautions for three days. He felt pretty good about Nick's merits and efficiency.
And now here we were in the final moments of the Friday Shift. Big holiday weekend. Twice Nick looked up at the clock. Only four more shelf boards to prime cut. Four. Three. ZZZIIPPP. What was that? Didn't sound like a wood cut? To the right of the table blade he saw his left thumb and forefinger. SEVERED. PAINLESS IN SHOCK for about ninety seconds.
Nick hollered to Julius. Julius hollered to Steve, one of the first aid guys.
Steve told Maria to go to the kitchenette for some ice cubes. Must collect the diguts cut off for the hospital, and wrap them in iced cloths. Next Maria went to the office for the nine-one-one phone call. Ambulance would arrive in about eight minutes.
Meanwhile Steve was cleaning/pressure bandaging the injured hand. Nick was not talking at all. Simply watching the performance as if it were happening to someone else.
Hadn't the whole workplace, two weeks prior, attended a session on materials handling and hand safety? And here it was in the flesh. Nick's flesh to be specific....Sigh.
As a critical injury, so defined by law, they were to expect the arrival of an Inspector from the Ministry of Labour soon. Then the real bureaucratic fun would begin. While Nick went through the hoops at the Hospital Emergency downtown.
General Manager wandered around the scene, collecting facts and statements. The kick in the pants would follow with Compensation premiums rising. Would there be charges and prosecution for lack of due diligence? Fines for Company? Lead Hand? Big Ones? Time would tell. Fingers crossed. Her frown spoke volumes.
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