Airgas Store
Struck by discharged object or substance - Amputations - WEST CHICAGO, Illinois
| Employer | Airgas Store |
| Address | 1250 West Washington Street |
| City, State ZIP | WEST CHICAGO, Illinois 60185 |
| Report ID | 2021119608 |
| Event Date | November 6, 2021 |
| Outcome | Hospitalized, Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations |
| Body Part | Fingertip(s) |
| Event Type | Struck by discharged object or substance |
| Source of Injury | Pipes, ducts, tubing, unspecified |
| Industry (NAICS) | 423840 |
| GPS Coordinates | 41.87921, -88.22919 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
On November 6, 2021, an employee was using a wrench to release pressure from a carbon dioxide supply pipe. The pipe had been venting and it suddenly stopped. As the employee was checking the pipe, it disconnected and smashed his right index, middle, and ring fingers. The employee suffered bruises too all three fingers and an amputated middle fingertip.
Incident Summary
On November 6, 2021, a worker at Airgas Store in WEST CHICAGO, Illinois suffered amputations to the fingertip(s). The incident was classified as struck by discharged object or substance, with pipes, ducts, tubing, unspecified identified as the source of injury. The worker was hospitalized, amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 1,001 severe injury reports involving "Struck by discharged object or substance" incidents in our database. Browse all Struck by discharged object or substance injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Struck by discharged object or substance events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2025 | Farmers Roofing LLC | SORRENTO, Florida | Cuts, lacerations, punctures without injury to internal structures | Hosp. |
| Oct 19, 2019 | Cherry Coatings Inc. | AUSTIN, Texas | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Jul 21, 2016 | Precision Cleaning, Inc. | FORT MYERS, Florida | Cuts, lacerations | Hosp. |
| Mar 12, 2020 | Perlick Corporation | MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin | Puncture wounds, except gunshot wounds | Hosp. |
| Jun 28, 2016 | Targa Resources Inc. | CRANE, Texas | Swelling, inflammation, irritation-nonspecified injury | Hosp. |
| Feb 3, 2017 | Stephen Enterprises Inc | BRIDGEVILLE, Delaware | Puncture wounds, except gunshot wounds | Hosp. |
| Nov 16, 2022 | Frank Bevins Painting Inc. | LA VISTA, Nebraska | Puncture wounds, except gunshot wounds | Hosp. |
| Mar 24, 2020 | Conagra Foods - Denver | DENVER, Colorado | Cuts, lacerations | 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.