Rural Gas Company
Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment - Amputations - GUILFORD, Connecticut
| Employer | Rural Gas Company |
| Address | 818 White Birch Road |
| City, State ZIP | GUILFORD, Connecticut 06437 |
| Report ID | 20171111266 |
| Event Date | November 27, 2017 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Fingertip(s) |
| Event Type | Compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment |
| Source of Injury | Propane tanks and cylinders |
| Secondary Source | Building, n.e.c. |
| Industry (NAICS) | 454312 |
| GPS Coordinates | 41.31000, -72.67000 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was removing a 120-gallon propane tank from a residential location. Two additional employees were assisting him. The employee determined that laying the tank down and rolling it out was the safest way to remove it. While rolling the tank, they needed to maneuver it between a shed and a tree. The space was just slightly wider than the tank (approximately 57 inches). As they approached the tree, the tank slid down against the shed, pinning the employee's finger between the tank and the shed. His left pinky fingertip was amputated.
Incident Summary
On November 27, 2017, a worker at Rural Gas Company in GUILFORD, Connecticut suffered amputations to the fingertip(s). The incident was classified as compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment, with propane tanks and cylinders identified as the source of injury. The worker was 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 2017 | U.S. Posatal Service | ZEBULON, Georgia | Crushing injuries | Hosp. |
| May 13, 2015 | ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. DBA THOMAS H | CLIFTON HILL, Missouri | Amputations | Amp. |
| Jul 27, 2015 | Pioneer Natural resources | AMARILLO, Texas | Amputations | Amp. |
| Jan 6, 2016 | U.Pull and Pay, LLC | CINCINNATI, Ohio | Amputations | Amp. |
| Apr 30, 2019 | Lancaster Development, Inc. | LATHAM, New York | Amputations | Amp. |
| Jul 7, 2022 | Midwest Ice Cream, LLC | BELVIDERE, Illinois | Amputations | Amp. |
| Oct 16, 2020 | United States Postal Service | PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| Nov 9, 2023 | Crystal Mitchell Excavating | ALTOONA, Pennsylvania | 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.