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
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
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.