AMTEC Corporation
Intentionally set explosion — Amputations, avulsions, enucleations unspecified — CLEAR LAKE, South Dakota
| Employer | AMTEC Corporation |
| Address | 47600 180th Street |
| City, State ZIP | CLEAR LAKE, South Dakota 57226 |
| Report ID | 2024032390 |
| Event Date | March 18, 2024 |
| Outcome | Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations, avulsions, enucleations unspecified |
| Body Part | Finger or thumb tip(s), nail(s) |
| Event Type | Intentionally set explosion |
| Source of Injury | Detonating fuses |
| Secondary Source | Source, secondary source unspecified |
| Industry (NAICS) | 325920 |
| Inspection # | 1737621 |
| GPS Coordinates | 44.77580, -96.67830 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was performing assembly operation steps on an electric detonator that included cleaning possible powder residue from a weld joint and placing a solder ring at the weld joint for a future operation. While performing a step in the operation, a single detonator exploded in the employee's hand. The employee's left thumb and index fingers were struck by blast pressure and shrapnel resulting in partial fingertip amputations on both fingers.
Incident Summary
On March 18, 2024, a worker at AMTEC Corporation in CLEAR LAKE, South Dakota suffered amputations, avulsions, enucleations unspecified to the finger or thumb tip(s), nail(s). The incident was classified as intentionally set explosion, with detonating fuses identified as the source of injury. The worker was amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 6 severe injury reports involving "Intentionally set explosion" incidents in our database. Browse all Intentionally set explosion injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Intentionally set explosion events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Midcon Services, LLC | LEFORS, Texas | Fractures and surface, flesh wounds | Hosp. |
| Jul 3, 2024 | Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc. | JACKSONVILLE, Alabama | Traumatic injuries or exposures unspecified | Hosp. |
| Dec 31, 2024 | Half Off Fireworks LLC | VICTORIA, Texas | Thermal burns degree unspecified | Hosp. |
| Jun 11, 2024 | Clean Harbors | COLFAX, Louisiana | Thermal burns degree unspecified | Hosp. |
| Nov 25, 2024 | AMTEC Corporation | CLEAR LAKE, South Dakota | Thermal burns third degree or higher | 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.