GERKE EXCAVATING, INCORPORATED
Struck, caught, or crushed in other collapsing structure or equipment - Amputations - BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin
| Employer | GERKE EXCAVATING, INCORPORATED |
| Address | 23 Harrison St |
| City, State ZIP | BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin 54615 |
| Report ID | 2015010820 |
| Event Date | January 26, 2015 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c. |
| Event Type | Struck, caught, or crushed in other collapsing structure or equipment |
| Source of Injury | Catwalks |
| Industry (NAICS) | 238910 |
| GPS Coordinates | 44.29629, -90.85000 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
Employee received a crushing injury to the right-hand thumb when the collapsible railing on a crusher plant's catwalk vibrated loose and pinned his thumb between the railing and catwalk. The thumb was partially severed and the bone broke. His thumb was later amputated at Rochester Mayo Clinic because blood flow to the thumb could not be re-established.
Incident Summary
On January 26, 2015, a worker at GERKE EXCAVATING, INCORPORATED in BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c.. The incident was classified as struck, caught, or crushed in other collapsing structure or equipment, with catwalks identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 130 severe injury reports involving "Struck, caught, or crushed in other collapsing structure or equipment" incidents in our database. Browse all Struck, caught, or crushed in other collapsing structure or equipment injuries.
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| Oct 7, 2021 | SAFE ZONE LLC | LONGBOAT KEY, Florida | Fractures | Hosp. |
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| Aug 11, 2022 | Good Samaritan Society - Decatur County | OBERLIN, Kansas | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Apr 27, 2016 | Southwire Company LLC | FLORA, Illinois | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Oct 2, 2020 | Connors-Haas Inc. | ROCHESTER, New York | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Feb 24, 2015 | Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc. | MAYVILLE, Wisconsin | Fractures and other injuries, n.e.c. | Hosp. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Workers who suffer amputations on the job are generally entitled to workers' compensation benefits covering all medical treatment, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages. Many states also provide scheduled permanent disability benefits for the loss of a limb or digit, a fixed payment based on the specific body part affected. In cases where employer negligence was egregious or equipment was defective, a personal injury lawsuit against a third party (the equipment manufacturer) may be possible in addition to workers' comp. An attorney specializing in workers' compensation can advise on available options. Report the injury to OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA within 24 hours.
After an employer reports a severe injury, OSHA decides whether to conduct an on-site inspection. Fatalities and amputations typically trigger automatic inspections. For hospitalizations and eye loss events, OSHA may conduct a phone/fax investigation or an on-site inspection based on the circumstances. During an inspection, OSHA compliance officers assess the accident scene, interview witnesses, review safety records, and identify violations. Citations and penalties may be issued. OSHA also works with the employer to abate hazardous conditions. All inspection results are published in OSHA's public inspection database at osha.gov.
You can file an OSHA complaint online at osha.gov/workers/file-complaint, by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742), or by visiting your local OSHA area office. Complaints can be filed anonymously. OSHA prioritizes formal written complaints from workers. If you believe an imminent danger exists, call OSHA immediately, they are required to investigate immediately when there is reasonable grounds to believe imminent danger exists. Workers are protected from retaliation for filing complaints under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act; if you experience retaliation, file a separate complaint within 30 days of the adverse action.
About This OSHA Report
This is a severe injury report filed with OSHA. Employers are required to report all work-related fatalities and severe injuries within 8 to 24 hours. Browse more reports by employer, state, or industry below.