Lindt & Sprungli (USA) Inc.
Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment - Amputations - STRATHAM, New Hampshire
| Employer | Lindt & Sprungli (USA) Inc. |
| Address | 1 Fine Chocolate Place |
| City, State ZIP | STRATHAM, New Hampshire 03885 |
| Report ID | 2017010494 |
| Event Date | January 16, 2017 |
| Outcome | Hospitalized, Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Fingertip(s) |
| Event Type | Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment |
| Source of Injury | Machine and appliance parts, n.e.c. |
| Industry (NAICS) | 311351 |
| GPS Coordinates | 42.97898, -70.88850 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was cleaning parts for the Piab system (pneumatic transfer system for raw materials) using sani-wipes as part of the allergen clean process on the bar line. Parts were stored on a cleaning cart along the side of the bar line room away from the production line. The cleaning process includes cleaning two rod magnets. Six magnetic rods of varying lengths are arranged in parallel with 1" spacing between each rod. The rods are connected by brackets to form a singular circular magnet approximately 13" in diameter. During an earlier shift, the two rod magnets got stuck together. The employee attempted to separate the two magnets with his hands. During this process, the magnets shifted and pinched the tip of his left middle finger. When the employee jerked his hand away from the magnets, his fingertip was amputated.
Incident Summary
On January 16, 2017, a worker at Lindt & Sprungli (USA) Inc. in STRATHAM, New Hampshire suffered amputations to the fingertip(s). The incident was classified as compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment, with machine and appliance parts, n.e.c. identified as the source of injury. The worker was hospitalized, amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 4,985 severe injury reports involving "Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment" incidents in our database. Browse all Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2021 | Nidec Motor Corporation | MENA, Arkansas | Amputations | Amp. |
| Aug 26, 2015 | Shasta Incorporated | ALIQUIPPA, Pennsylvania | Amputations | Amp. |
| Nov 18, 2021 | Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. | COAHOMA, Texas | Amputations | Amp. |
| Sep 15, 2021 | Newport News Shipbuilding Division of Huntington Ingalls | NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Dec 26, 2015 | Signature Flight Support | ORLANDO, Florida | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Aug 4, 2019 | Maxim Crane Works | MIAMI, Florida | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Dec 19, 2022 | Owen Electric Company, INC | SAINT AUGUSTINE, Florida | Amputations | Amp. |
| Mar 10, 2015 | DPR Construction | AUSTIN, Texas | 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.