Space Exploration Technologies Corp.

Struck by falling object or equipment, unspecified - Amputations - BROWNSVILLE, Texas

AMPUTATION, Worker suffered amputation at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. in BROWNSVILLE, Texas
Employer Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
Address 1 Rocket Road
City, State ZIP BROWNSVILLE, Texas 78521
Report ID 2023043366
Event Date April 15, 2023
Outcome Amputation
Nature of Injury Amputations
Body Part Fingertip(s)
Event Type Struck by falling object or equipment, unspecified
Source of Injury Parts and materials, unspecified
Industry (NAICS) 336414
Inspection # 1670653
GPS Coordinates 25.94000, -97.31000

Location Map

Incident Narrative

An employee was holding the bottom of a metal stringer (about 25 feet long and 6 inches wide, made of thin-gauge stainless steel) while others were tack welding it to a tank wall. The tack welds gave way. The stringer dropped about 4 inches and pinched the employee's right index fingertip against the support tooling. The fingertip was amputated without bone loss.

Incident Summary

On April 15, 2023, a worker at Space Exploration Technologies Corp. in BROWNSVILLE, Texas suffered amputations to the fingertip(s). The incident was classified as struck by falling object or equipment, unspecified, with parts and materials, unspecified identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.

Context

OSHA has recorded 1,482 severe injury reports involving "Struck by falling object or equipment, unspecified" incidents in our database. Browse all Struck by falling object or equipment, unspecified injuries.

See all reports for Space Exploration Technologies Corp..

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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.

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