SpaceX Launch Facility
Struck by object falling from vehicle or machinery-other than vehicle part — Amputations — BROWNSVILLE, Texas
| Employer | SpaceX Launch Facility |
| Address | 1 Rocket Rd. |
| City, State ZIP | BROWNSVILLE, Texas 78521 |
| Report ID | 2021119527 |
| Event Date | November 3, 2021 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified |
| Event Type | Struck by object falling from vehicle or machinery-other than vehicle part |
| Source of Injury | Metal pipes, tubing |
| Secondary Source | Material and personnel handling machinery, unspecified |
| Industry (NAICS) | 927110 |
| Inspection # | 1563556 |
| GPS Coordinates | 25.94000, -97.31000 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
A crew was using a magnetic lift to lower a 500-pound section of square tubing into place. The injured employee had their hand partially inside one end of the tubing when the magnet failed and dropped the square tubing, injuring their left hand including crushed fingers and amputations to the ring finger and thumb.
Incident Summary
On November 3, 2021, a worker at SpaceX Launch Facility in BROWNSVILLE, Texas suffered amputations to the finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified. The incident was classified as struck by object falling from vehicle or machinery-other than vehicle part, with metal pipes, tubing identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 1,850 severe injury reports involving "Struck by object falling from vehicle or machinery-other than vehicle part" incidents in our database. Browse all Struck by object falling from vehicle or machinery-other than vehicle part injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Struck by object falling from vehicle or machinery-other than vehicle part events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 2015 | Kitchen Systems, Inc | WILLINGBORO, New Jersey | Soreness, pain, hurt-nonspecified injury | Hosp. |
| Jan 14, 2019 | WIN VENT WINDOWS, DIV. EXTRUSIONS, INC. | FORT SCOTT, Kansas | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Aug 25, 2015 | Resource Material Handling | MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio | Soreness, pain, hurt-nonspecified injury | Hosp. |
| May 7, 2017 | PAN AMERICA ELECTRIC , INC. | VELMA, Oklahoma | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Jul 26, 2016 | Round Ground, Inc. | HANOVER PARK, Illinois | Amputations | Hosp., Amp. |
| Mar 16, 2021 | Valley Gin Company | TORNILLO, Texas | Soreness, pain, hurt-nonspecified injury | Hosp. |
| Oct 25, 2023 | CWM Electric LLC. | LOWELL, Arkansas | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Feb 20, 2020 | Airclaws | ATHENS, Ohio | Internal injuries to organs and blood vessels of the trunk | 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.