Berzin

This is a proceeding to review an award made by the Industrial Accident Commission in favor of the petitioner, H. Berzin, but which he contends furnishes insufficient compensation for the injury suffered.

From February, 1927, to July 16, 1930, Berzin was employed by the Pacific Electric Manufacturing Corporation as a grinder, whose work consisted of grinding brass, copper, iron and steel castings on an emery-wheel. In such grinding operations dust is created and, unless drawn off by mechanical devices, beclouds the atmosphere. Moreover, at times sparks fly from the metals as they are ground, and exposed parts of the body may thereby be burned. To carry off the dust and catch the sparks, blowers and guards were installed in October, 1929; but the system previously employed was not equally effective, and while that system was in use considerable dust generated by the grinding machines spread through the factory.

In June, 1930, sores appeared on Berzin’s chest and arms, which, he said, were caused by burns due to flying sparks. He applied to the nurse in attendance at the plant, who, upon examination, concluded that he was suffering from boils or carbuncles, and applied a salve…