Ascend Performance Materials
Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, unspecified - Amputations - DECATUR, Alabama
| Employer | Ascend Performance Materials |
| Address | 1050 Chemstran Avenue |
| City, State ZIP | DECATUR, Alabama 35601 |
| Report ID | 2021119473 |
| Event Date | November 2, 2021 |
| Outcome | Hospitalized, Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified |
| Event Type | Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, unspecified |
| Source of Injury | Material and personnel handling machinery, unspecified |
| Industry (NAICS) | 325199 |
| Inspection # | 1563366 |
| GPS Coordinates | 34.60000, -87.01000 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
Employees were unloading material from a barge to a storage tank. A logistics employee was lowering the unloading arm at the barge dock. The employee provided the barge operator the rope used to guide the unloading arm from the dock down to the barge. The logistics employee pulled both pins that secure the counter weight when not in use. The logistics employee then grabbed the back of the counter weight handle and pulled the counter weight toward themself. As the logistics employee was guiding the counter weight past the unloading valve handle, the counter weight pushed back too far and struck the unloading valve handle. The operator's pinky finger was caught between the unloading valve and counterweight, resulting in a partial amputation.
Incident Summary
On November 2, 2021, a worker at Ascend Performance Materials in DECATUR, Alabama suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified. The incident was classified as caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, unspecified, with material and personnel handling machinery, unspecified identified as the source of injury. The worker was hospitalized, amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 2,153 severe injury reports involving "Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, unspecified" incidents in our database. Browse all Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, unspecified injuries.
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| Oct 3, 2023 | Abbott Nutrition | COLUMBUS, Ohio | Fractures | Hosp. |
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| Jul 20, 2018 | Get Fresh Produce, Inc. | BARTLETT, Illinois | Amputations | Amp. |
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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.