AUSTIN, TEXAS—2019-06-19

ATX Environmental Solutions

Caught in running equipment or machinery during maintenance, cleaning · Amputations

Final narrative

An employee was cleaning a 3-way valve (ball type), using a 10-inch screwdriver to remove process powder. A vacuum hose was attached to the other end of the 3-way valve to suck out the powder removed by the screwdriver. While he was cleaning, the screwdriver became stuck inside the valve. After several attempts to remove the screwdriver from the valve, the employee then placed his hand on the side of the valve to generate force to remove the screwdriver. Once the screwdriver was freed from the valve, the employee's left ring finger slipped and entered the valve. Because the hose was on the other end, an alarm for low pressure immediately triggered the valve to actuate while his finger was inside. As a result, his left ring fingertip was amputated in the nailbed area.

Amputation Fingertip(s) Valves, nozzles

Similar incidents · Same event type

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS—2023-12-27

DGS Import, LLC

An employee was changing a saw blade when the saw machine activated. The employee's left ring and little fingers were amputated.

SUWANEE, GEORGIA—2023-12-27

Millennium Mat Company

An employee was clearing a jam from the label cutting machine when their left middle finger was partially amputated.

TAMPA, FLORIDA—2023-12-26

Bauer Foundation Corp.

Two employees were repairing the hydraulic engagement pins on a rented front-end wheel loader. The machine controls were activated to move the attachment pins and an employee's finger was caught between the pins and the bushings. Their right index finger was partially amputated.

SUGARCREEK, OHIO—2023-12-21

Guggisberg Cheese, Inc.

An employee was cleaning the conveyor on a piece of equipment when they slipped and their right hand was pulled into the chain sprocket. The employee's fifth fingertip was amputated.

HOUSTON, TEXAS—2023-12-18

Alsco Inc.

An employee was throwing blankets onto a blanket folding and stacking machine. A blanket got stuck in the machine and she attempted to remove it when the machine contacted her right little finger, resulting in a fingertip amputation.