How often these injuries happen
OSHA recorded 122 severe incidents involving structural panels and plates over the past two years. These heavy materials frequently cause fractures, which represent 42% of all reported injury types in this category.
The severity of these incidents is often high because of the weight and density of the materials involved. Fingers are the most commonly affected body part, accounting for 37% of all recorded injuries, often resulting in permanent damage or amputation.
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Check My BenefitsHow these injuries happen
Most injuries occur when these heavy materials are not properly secured or handled. Struck by falling objects is the primary cause, accounting for 61% of all incidents. Whether a steel plate slips from a crane or a granite slab tips over during transport, the sudden force of these materials often leads to crushing injuries or severe lacerations.
| Cause | Incidents | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Struck by falling object | 73 |
| 2 | Injured by object handled by person | 12 |
| 3 | Struck by suspended or swinging object | 6 |
| 4 | Caught or wedged between objects— nonrunning | 6 |
| 5 | Fall to lower level from collapsing structure or equipment | 5 |
| 6 | Struck by propelled object or substance | 5 |
| 7 | Struck by rolling, sliding, or shifting objects—non-running | 4 |
| 8 | Overexertion while materials moving by hand | 2 |
Where injuries happen most
Manufacturing accounts for 46% of these incidents, largely due to the constant movement of heavy sheets and plates through production lines. Construction follows at 34%, where the assembly and disassembly of platforms and structural components create frequent opportunities for materials to shift, fall, or pinch you.
Real cases like yours
Common patterns in these incidents involve you being caught between heavy plates and stationary objects or being struck when materials fall during transport. These reports frequently highlight failures in securing loads or inadequate guarding during material handling. If any of these scenarios sound like what happened to you, an attorney can help you understand your legal options.
| Year | State | Industry | Incident summary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | IL | Manufacturing | "Employees were replacing steel plates that cover open areas of an extrusion pit. An employee's right middle finger was pinched between a steel plate and the concrete/frame of the opening. The fingertip was amputated at the first joint and required surgery." | |
| 2025 | AR | Manufacturing | "An employee was carrying a metal plate (18 inches x 18.75 inches) when it dropped onto his right foot, resulting in a fracture." | |
| 2025 | FL | Construction | "During the disassembly of a micropile foundation testing platform, an employee's left index finger was pinched between a steel bearing plate and a steel test beam. The employee sustained an amputation to the finger above the distal joint and below the nail." | |
| 2025 | MO | Retail Trade | "Employees were moving slabs of granite with an overhead crane and placing them on an A-frame. When the clamp released, the slabs started falling forward. The injured employee went to stop the slabs from falling and the slabs fell on top of him. The employee was crushed and sustained a head injury." | |
| 2025 | OK | Manufacturing | "An employee was moving a 32" x 96" piece of particle board from the vacuuming area to the stack of boards. His left middle finger became caught between the board and the stack as he was setting it down. The employee was hospitalized with the partial amputation of the finger requiring surgery." | |
| 2025 | OH | Manufacturing | "On June 3, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, an employee was retrieving a slab of stone when it fell and pinned both of his legs against the ground. The employee required surgery." | |
| 2025 | NY | Construction | "An employee was moving a slab of marble when it slipped and fell on his right hand, crushing the middle and ring fingertips against a table. The employee sustained amputation of both fingertips." | |
| 2025 | TX | Transportation & Warehousing | "An employee was opening a pig trap receiver during pigging operations when they were struck by metal grating. The employee sustained a right leg fracture." | |
| 2025 | TX | Manufacturing | "Three employees were holding bullet-resistant glass panels in a crate as a fourth employee opened the crate. The panels were in an upright or 90-degree position when three panels fell onto the injured employee's left leg, resulting in a femoral shaft fracture that required surgery." | |
| 2025 | IL | Construction | "An employee was inspecting an apartment unit to confirm electrical systems installation. There were 10 sheets of drywall leaning against a wall. The employee was pulling the drywall away from the wall when the drywall fell and landed on her legs. This caused fractures to her left ankle and right foot. The employee was hospitalized and required surgery." |
Source: OSHA Severe Injury Reports. Narratives are verbatim from filings; identifying details may have been redacted by OSHA.