Highland Pellets, LLC.
Injured by slipping or swinging object held by injured worker - Amputations - PINE BLUFF, Arkansas
| Employer | Highland Pellets, LLC. |
| Address | 5601 Industrial Drive North |
| City, State ZIP | PINE BLUFF, Arkansas 71601 |
| Report ID | 2019077290 |
| Event Date | July 17, 2019 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified |
| Event Type | Injured by slipping or swinging object held by injured worker |
| Source of Injury | Wrenches-power not determined |
| Industry (NAICS) | 322110 |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.26542, -92.07236 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was changing a die inside the pellet mill of a press. The employee was using a torque wrench to tighten the inner bolts, applying pressure in a downward motion, when the wrench either gave way, or reached the desired amount of torque and completed its designed function to break loose. The employee's right thumb was caught between the wrench handle and a piece of adjacent equipment (the aspiration line) resulting in an amputation to the right thumb.
Incident Summary
On July 17, 2019, a worker at Highland Pellets, LLC. in PINE BLUFF, Arkansas suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified. The incident was classified as injured by slipping or swinging object held by injured worker, with wrenches-power not determined identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 2,126 severe injury reports involving "Injured by slipping or swinging object held by injured worker" incidents in our database. Browse all Injured by slipping or swinging object held by injured worker injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Injured by slipping or swinging object held by injured worker events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 7, 2020 | Federal Corrections Complex | TUCSON, Arizona | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| Sep 13, 2021 | GE Transportation, a Wabtec Company | GROVE CITY, Pennsylvania | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Sep 20, 2022 | Old Growth Tree Service | EDWARDS, Colorado | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Aug 10, 2017 | CULBERTSON COMPANY OF NEW YORK | STAMFORD, Connecticut | Amputations | Amp. |
| Sep 17, 2019 | ROXELL | ANDERSON, Missouri | Amputations | Amp. |
| Mar 14, 2023 | HPS Mechanical, Inc. | RIDGECREST, California | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| Nov 26, 2019 | Tribco Construction Services, LLC | CHICAGO, Illinois | Amputations | Amp. |
| Dec 13, 2017 | Mastec Advanced Technologies | KRUM, Texas | Puncture wounds, except gunshot wounds | 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.