POET Biorefining Groton
Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, n.e.c. — Amputations — GROTON, South Dakota
| Employer | POET Biorefining Groton |
| Address | 40425 133rd Street |
| City, State ZIP | GROTON, South Dakota 57445 |
| Report ID | 2018077536 |
| Event Date | July 25, 2018 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Fingertip(s) |
| Event Type | Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, n.e.c. |
| Source of Injury | Centrifuges |
| Secondary Source | Tools, instruments, and equipment, n.e.c. |
| Industry (NAICS) | 325193 |
| GPS Coordinates | 45.45391, -98.13900 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was replacing gaskets on a disc stack centrifuge and using a specialized tool to pull the disc stack when the employee's left ring finger was caught between the tool and the stack, resulting in a partial distal amputation of the left ring fingertip.
Incident Summary
On July 25, 2018, a worker at POET Biorefining Groton in GROTON, South Dakota suffered amputations to the fingertip(s). The incident was classified as caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, n.e.c., with centrifuges identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 103 severe injury reports involving "Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, n.e.c." incidents in our database. Browse all Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, n.e.c. injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, n.e.c. events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2022 | RVRR Enterprises Inc. | YONKERS, New York | Amputations | Amp. |
| Sep 25, 2015 | Pull-A-Part | CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas | Amputations | Amp. |
| Aug 31, 2016 | W M Display Group | CHICAGO, Illinois | Crushing injuries | Hosp. |
| Jan 28, 2022 | EMCO Chemical Distributors, Inc. | PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wisconsin | Amputations | Amp. |
| Dec 27, 2018 | Unique Industries, Inc. | CALERA, Alabama | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Jun 16, 2022 | Roto-Rooter Services Company | TAMPA, Florida | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Feb 28, 2020 | Polystar Inc. | STOW, Ohio | Amputations | Amp. |
| Feb 9, 2015 | Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. | BILLINGS, Montana | Traumatic injuries and disorders, unspecified | 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.