Caterpillar, Inc.
Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation - Amputations - TOCCOA, Georgia
| Employer | Caterpillar, Inc. |
| Address | 189 Arrowhead Drive |
| City, State ZIP | TOCCOA, Georgia 30577 |
| Report ID | 2015042462 |
| Event Date | April 30, 2015 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c. |
| Event Type | Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation |
| Source of Injury | Drills-stationary |
| Industry (NAICS) | 331529 |
| Inspection # | 1065955 |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.61000, -83.27000 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee working on a core machine in the core room had the right pinkie finger amputated as a result of injury. The spreader box stopped indexing across the carrier. The employee went around to the back side of the core machine and noticed that the dowel pin had broke and the back spreader box support wheel was dislodged from the rail and appeared stuck. The employee pushed on the bracket just behind the wheel to try to get the spreader box back on rails and the wheel shattered. The pressurized cylinder snapped forward and caught his pinkie and ring finger on the right hand. The right pinkie finger was surgically amputated.
Incident Summary
On April 30, 2015, a worker at Caterpillar, Inc. in TOCCOA, Georgia suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c.. The incident was classified as caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation, with drills-stationary identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 6,694 severe injury reports involving "Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation" incidents in our database. Browse all Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2022 | ACME Markets | FAIR HAVEN, New Jersey | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| May 7, 2018 | Interroll | HIRAM, Georgia | Amputations | Amp. |
| Apr 17, 2017 | Gutchess Hardwoods Inc. | LATROBE, Pennsylvania | Amputations | Amp. |
| Jan 7, 2020 | GLA Concrete Pumping | EL JEBEL, Colorado | Soreness, pain, hurt-nonspecified injury | Hosp. |
| Sep 6, 2019 | General Cable Corp. | WILLIAMSPORT, Pennsylvania | Amputations | Amp. |
| Oct 18, 2019 | Hanna Steel Corporation | NORTHPORT, Alabama | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Nov 2, 2016 | Boise Cascade | LENA, Louisiana | Crushing injuries | Hosp. |
| Aug 3, 2021 | Tyson Foods, Inc. | LEXINGTON, Nebraska | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
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.