National Oilwell Varco
Caught in running equipment or machinery, n.e.c. — Amputations — HOUSTON, Texas
| Employer | National Oilwell Varco |
| Address | 10303 Sheldon |
| City, State ZIP | HOUSTON, Texas 77049 |
| Report ID | 2016109805 |
| Event Date | October 18, 2016 |
| Outcome | Hospitalized, Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c. |
| Event Type | Caught in running equipment or machinery, n.e.c. |
| Source of Injury | Oil drilling rigs and machinery |
| Industry (NAICS) | 333132 |
| GPS Coordinates | 29.77880, -95.12441 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was testing a prototype hydro-pad cylinder in a confined area at the maintenance shop. As the employee was putting a spacer (cone) into the cylinder, it twisted very fast via air power. When he went to stop it, his left index finger became wedged between the cone and the pipe. His left index finger was amputated above the knuckle and required surgery.
Incident Summary
On October 18, 2016, a worker at National Oilwell Varco in HOUSTON, Texas suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c.. The incident was classified as caught in running equipment or machinery, n.e.c., with oil drilling rigs and machinery identified as the source of injury. The worker was hospitalized, amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 718 severe injury reports involving "Caught in running equipment or machinery, n.e.c." incidents in our database. Browse all Caught in running equipment or machinery, n.e.c. injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Caught in running equipment or machinery, n.e.c. events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2019 | Ideal Industries, Inc. | SYCAMORE, Illinois | Amputations | Amp. |
| May 28, 2019 | Gerdau Long Steel North America Midlothian Mill | MIDLOTHIAN, Texas | Amputations | Amp. |
| Sep 4, 2018 | O'Day Tank & Steel LLC | FARGO, North Dakota | Amputations | Amp. |
| Jan 23, 2018 | Nutrition Services, Inc. | YORK, Nebraska | Avulsions, enucleations | Hosp. |
| Sep 24, 2018 | United Continental Holdings, Inc. | NEWARK, New Jersey | Avulsions, enucleations | Hosp. |
| Jan 15, 2020 | Empire Lumber Company, Weippe Operations | WEIPPE, Idaho | Amputations | Amp. |
| May 6, 2021 | McMillan Electric Company | WOODVILLE, Wisconsin | Amputations | Amp. |
| Jul 13, 2023 | Lewis Tree Service, Inc. | CLEARWATER, Florida | Crushing injuries | 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.