EE HAD A 1/4"" X 6FT FACTORY WIRE PULL ROPE ATTACHED TO OVERHEAD CRANE HOIST. IT WAS ATTACHED TO A NEW WEAR PLATE. WHEN THE PLATE WAS HOISTED TO THE BUCKET, THE CRIMPED END OF THE CABLE GOT STUCK IN THE HOLE. BILL THEN TOOK A SIX FOOT PRY BAR AND CLEARED IT. THE SUDDEN RELEASE OF ENERGY FROM THE BAR PULLED THE SLATE BAR TO THE BUCKET, SMASHING HIS LEFT THUMB.