Woman is Seriously Injured by Paper Shredder

Case Overview

This case involves a woman who was severely injured by a paper shredder. The plaintiff, a twenty-seven-year-old female, was shredding documents, taking them from her desk, rolling her chair to the shredder, and then shredding them. While doing this, she slipped and her hair became caught in the shredder, tearing at her head and ripping parts of her scalp. An equipment design expert was sought to opine on the case.

Questions to the Occupational Health and Safety expert and their responses

Was the paper shredder improperly designed?

The design of these machines, sold at retail for in-home use, is relatively dangerous and there are plenty of design considerations that these manufacturers ought to consider. A paper shredder could very easily incorporate a weight sensor or multiple touch points for motor engagement to ensure that it is being used properly and intentionally.

About the expert

This expert is a product development and design specialist with more than 22 years of product development experience within the consumer, industrial and commercial markets. He has researched, designed, engineered, and developed products in numerous categories including consumer housewares, medical equipment, industrial equipment, toys, automotive, lighting and fitness equipment. He is knowledgeable on manufacturing process and procedure development; graphic development, package and merchandising development; QAQC process development and implementation. He has additional expertise in Asian sourcing and manufacturing transitioning, including frequent travel within Taiwan and China.

E-005168

Specialties:

Occupational Health and Safety