Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation · Fractures and other injuries, n.e.c.
At a glance
Federal OSHA recorded a severe workplace injury
at FLSmidth Inc., 1 Excel Way, PEKIN, ILLINOIS 61554
on — Fractures and other injuries, n.e.c., affecting the hand(s) and finger(s).
Final narrative
On May 6, 2020, at approximately 7:45 p.m., an employee stopped a lathe and pulled a nylon strap through the center of a 13-inch long, 8-inch diameter part. The nylon strap was attached to a jib crane, and the employee needed to jog the lathe to lock the chuck. The lathe did not jog and instead began running at operational speed. The employee's gloved right hand was caught between the nylon strap and rotating metal part, resulting in a broken thumb, severed nerves and tendons, and severe tissue damage to the hand.
HospitalizedHand(s) and finger(s)Metalworking lathes
An employee was machining a trunnion using a grinding rig when their left hand was caught between the grinding stone and the trunnion, resulting in fractures to the middle, ring, and little fingers, as well as severe damage to the skin and amputations of the middle and ring fingers to the distal knuckle.
An employee was using a hammer to hit a steel bearing and dislodge it from a shaft. A small piece of the bearing broke off and embedded in his stomach.
An employee was operating a hydraulic press when his left middle finger was crushed between the part he was pressing and the press table. The employee sustained an open fracture of the tuft of the distal phalanx, which led to a partial amputation of the left middle fingertip.
An employee was lifting a metal plate with an overhead crane and a magnet. The plate or the magnet shifted and struck the employee's chin. The employee sustained a fracture and laceration to the chin and a concussion.
An employee was sharpening peeler blades when their shirt was caught in the grinding wheel. The employee sustained tendon damage and a crushed right hand.
An employee was preparing to cut lumber on a panel saw when the clamp engaged and caught the employee's left middle finger, resulting in a fingertip amputation.
More severe injuries in this industry (NAICS 423830)
An employee was sorting sucker rods. His right hand was caught in the area where the rod hits up against the frame and his index fingertip was amputated just below the nail.
An employee was using a powered miter saw to cut 2x4's. The saw blade hit something inside a board (possibly a hidden nail) and jumped, causing a laceration to the employee's left forearm. The employee was hospitalized with soft tissue and tendon injuries that required surgery.
A crane had been used to set a steel plate on a steel frame. An employee was trying to remove a clamp from the plate when the plate fell and crushed the tip of his left little finger. The employee sustained a fingertip amputation.
An employee was operating a scissor lift, raised to a height of about 15 feet, to inspect an overhead crane rail. The crane itself was being moved. Its hook swung into the scissor lift s arms, causing the lift to tip over onto its side, which in turn caused the lift and the employee to fall to the floor. The employee suffered injuries including broken ribs, spinal fractures, scapula fractures, and internal injuries.
A technician was operating a crane hoist to lift/remove a cylinder head from the main engine (port). The load was lifted at an angle, causing the cylinder head to get stuck on the cylinder head studs. When it became free from the studs, the cylinder head swung. It struck the technician and caught them against the cabinet door. This resulted in an amputation of their left index fingertip at the distal knuckle.
An employee was changing a die in a press when the die slipped and crushed the employee's left index finger. The employee sustained an open facture of the tuft of the left distal phalanx and a partial amputation.
An employee was driving a boom lift (in the lowered position) in an exterior dock area. The lift s left wheels rolled onto base plates that covered a 3-foot-deep sump pit. The base plates failed, and one side of the lift dropped. The employee's left leg was caught under the lift basket, and he suffered a fracture to the lower leg including the ankle.