Abstract: At approximately 4:00 p.m. on January 9, 2010, Employee #1 was operating a foot- operated metal shearing machine (TENNSMITH, Model Number T52) at a precision metal stamping and forming facility. Employee #1 placed a metal shim stock, which measured 12 inches wide by 16 inches long by 0.031 inches tall, on the shear machine table with his left hand. The machine's hold-down guard opening gap was set at approximately 0.875 inch to 1 inch. Employee #1 was cutting the metal piece, and when he depressed the foot pedal, the tip of his left ring finger became crushed between the hold-down guard and the shim, causing amputation of that portion of his finger. Employee #1 was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Corona, California for treatment. Surgery was performed the same day and Employee #1 was discharged at 9:17 p.m.