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Tri Element Incorporated

Entangled in other object or equipment — Amputations — ALICE, Texas

AMPUTATION — Worker suffered amputation at Tri Element Incorporated in ALICE, Texas
Employer Tri Element Incorporated
Address 315 Hub Street
City, State ZIP ALICE, Texas 78332
Report ID 2015129440
Event Date December 14, 2015
Outcome Amputation
Nature of Injury Amputations
Body Part Finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c.
Event Type Entangled in other object or equipment
Source of Injury Chains, n.e.c.
Industry (NAICS) 213112
GPS Coordinates 27.73066, -98.07726

Location Map

Incident Narrative

An employee was working independently underneath a trailer in the yard to repair a lift axle that was jammed. While the axle was rising slowly, he held onto the safety chain. When the arm had enough pressure to release itself from under the axle where it was jammed, the axle shot up, tightening the chain to the axle and amputating three of his right-hand fingers.

Incident Summary

On December 14, 2015, a worker at Tri Element Incorporated in ALICE, Texas suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c.. The incident was classified as entangled in other object or equipment, with chains, n.e.c. identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.

Context

OSHA has recorded 183 severe injury reports involving "Entangled in other object or equipment" incidents in our database. Browse all Entangled in other object or equipment injuries.

See all reports for Tri Element Incorporated.

Similar Incidents

Other severe injury reports involving Entangled in other object or equipment events:

Date Employer Location Nature Outcome
Aug 17, 2022 USDA Forest Service LINCOLN, Montana Amputations Amp.
Mar 8, 2018 Metro Green Recycling DORAVILLE, Georgia Fractures Hosp.
Feb 22, 2016 EXPERT RISER SOLUTIONS GOLDEN MEADOW, Louisiana Fractures Hosp.
Dec 8, 2020 Ferreira Construction HOBE SOUND, Florida Amputations Hosp., Amp.
Aug 12, 2016 MARIO SINACOLA & SONS EXCAVATING, INC. GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas Fractures Hosp.
Mar 21, 2018 Crown Linen Service, Inc. COLUMBIA, Illinois Fractures Hosp.
Oct 27, 2019 Michels Corporation PAPILLION, Nebraska Amputations Hosp., Amp.
Jul 10, 2020 PLW Waterworks MISSOURI CITY, Texas 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.

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