OSHA: Amputation involving Robotic Palletizer / Depalletizer at ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC (SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA)

[WORKPLACE INJURY]

Apr 27, 2023 · Physical AI Entity · Robotic Palletizer / Depalletizer · SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA

Failure Mode

WORKPLACE INJURY

Event Date

Apr 27, 2023

Primary Entity

Physical AI Entity

Robotic Platform

Robotic Palletizer / Depalletizer

Jurisdiction / Location

SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

A maintenance employee was helping to troubleshoot a fault in the hoist on a bottle line de-palletizer. A broken sprocket needed to be removed in order to level the hoist. The machine was locked out/tagged out and the cover of the chain and sprocket was then removed. The employee used a pry bar to pull back and relieve the tension on the chain that was attached to the sprocket, in order to guide the sprocket out with his left hand. The pry bar slipped out and the chain snapped back, which caused the sprocket to shift. The employee's left middle finger was pinched between the chain and sprocket and the fingertip was amputated.

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

Physical AI Entity

Hardware Platform

Robotic Palletizer / Depalletizer

Operational Sectors

Physical AI / Robotics

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • US OSHA Severe Injury Reports (29 CFR 1904.39)

    https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in this OSHA incident at ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC?

A maintenance employee was helping to troubleshoot a fault in the hoist on a bottle line de-palletizer. A broken sprocket needed to be removed in order to level the hoist. The machine was locked out/tagged out and the cover of the chain and sprocket was then removed. The employee used a pry bar to pull back and relieve the tension on the chain that was attached to the sprocket, in order to guide the sprocket out with his left hand. The pry bar slipped out and the chain snapped back, which caused the sprocket to shift. The employee's left middle finger was pinched between the chain and sprocket and the fingertip was amputated.

What injuries occurred in this incident at ANHEUSER-BUSCH, LLC?

The incident resulted in 0 hospitalization(s) and 1 amputation(s). Official determination: Amputation.