United Copper Industries Inc.
Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation - Amputations - DENTON, Texas
| Employer | United Copper Industries Inc. |
| Address | 2727 Geesling Rd |
| City, State ZIP | DENTON, Texas 76208 |
| Report ID | 2015129629 |
| Event Date | December 20, 2015 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Fingertip(s) |
| Event Type | Caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation |
| Source of Injury | Packaging, wrapping, bundling machinery |
| Industry (NAICS) | 423610 |
| Inspection # | 1114744 |
| GPS Coordinates | 33.23740, -97.07285 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
The employee reached over a safeguard to push a coil towards the wrapping machine. While pushing, he triggered the proximity switch for the seal bar to come down. The seal bar came down on top of his hand, which was between the seal bar and the coil. The safety device, which makes the seal bar retract when it makes contact with an object, failed. The seal bar remained in the lowered position. The employee tried to pull his left hand out of the equipment resulting in the amputation of the middle fingertip.
Incident Summary
On December 20, 2015, a worker at United Copper Industries Inc. in DENTON, Texas suffered amputations to the fingertip(s). The incident was classified as caught in running equipment or machinery during regular operation, with packaging, wrapping, bundling machinery 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 27, 2016 | Ambassador Steel, LLC | BOURBONNAIS, Illinois | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Nov 15, 2019 | Coil Solutions Inc. | MIDLAND, Texas | Crushing injuries | Hosp. |
| Sep 29, 2023 | Mamou Rice Drier & Warehouse, Inc. | EUNICE, Louisiana | Major tears to muscles, tendons, ligaments | Hosp. |
| Apr 17, 2017 | Cornell Forge, Inc. | CHICAGO, Illinois | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| Jan 31, 2023 | General Credit Forms Inc | EARTH CITY, Missouri | Amputations | Amp. |
| Feb 20, 2022 | Price Chopper | LITTLE FALLS, New York | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| Jan 30, 2020 | PKM Steel Service Inc | SALINA, Kansas | Amputations | Amp. |
| Feb 5, 2015 | GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC. | MARION, Ohio | Amputations | 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.