Smithfield Foods
Fall on same level resulting in exposure or contact — Amputations involving bone loss — CRETE, Nebraska
| Employer | Smithfield Foods |
| Address | 2223 Industrial Road |
| City, State ZIP | CRETE, Nebraska 68333 |
| Report ID | 2024043657 |
| Event Date | April 26, 2024 |
| Outcome | Hospitalized, Amputation |
| Nature of Injury | Amputations involving bone loss |
| Body Part | Other finger(s) n.e.c. |
| Event Type | Fall on same level resulting in exposure or contact |
| Source of Injury | Portable ladders and stairs unspecified |
| Secondary Source | Butchering machinery |
| Industry (NAICS) | 311611 |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.62000, -97.01000 |
Location Map
Incident Narrative
An employee was standing on a ladder while degreasing the main chain sprocket overhead at the final rail. As they were wiping grease off the sprocket, they lost balance and grabbed onto the sprocket to steady themself. Their left middle finger got caught between the main chain and the sprocket resulting in amputation of the finger to the second knuckle.
Incident Summary
On April 26, 2024, a worker at Smithfield Foods in CRETE, Nebraska suffered amputations involving bone loss to the other finger(s) n.e.c.. The incident was classified as fall on same level resulting in exposure or contact, with portable ladders and stairs unspecified identified as the source of injury. The worker was hospitalized, amputation.
Context
OSHA has recorded 103 severe injury reports involving "Fall on same level resulting in exposure or contact" incidents in our database. Browse all Fall on same level resulting in exposure or contact injuries.
Similar Incidents
Other severe injury reports involving Fall on same level resulting in exposure or contact events:
| Date | Employer | Location | Nature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2025 | Scandrill Inc | PECOS, Texas | Amputations involving bone loss | Amp. |
| Dec 15, 2024 | DHS of Blount County, L.L.C. | ONEONTA, Alabama | Thermal burns degree unspecified | Hosp. |
| Mar 22, 2024 | Bergstrom Chevrolet of Madison | MADISON, Wisconsin | Amputations, avulsions, enucleations unspecified | Hosp., Amp. |
| Jun 23, 2025 | Black Hills Corporation | LEAD, South Dakota | Cuts, lacerations, punctures without injury to internal structures | Hosp. |
| May 28, 2024 | Wisconsin Rebar | APPLETON, Wisconsin | Fractures | Hosp. |
| Jul 18, 2024 | Whataburger | LAWTON, Oklahoma | Thermal burns degree unspecified | Hosp. |
| Jun 5, 2024 | Latite Roofing And Sheet Metal, LLC | BRADENTON, Florida | Cuts, lacerations, punctures without injury to internal structures | Hosp. |
| Jul 30, 2024 | Centric Pipe, LLC | ORE CITY, Texas | Thermal burns degree unspecified | 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.