CROSWELL, MI – Officials are investigating an injury incident at a Michigan Sugar Co. plant in Sanilac County.
A 43-year-old female employee lost her arm while cleaning a section of scroll at the plant in Croswell shortly before 11 p.m. on March 18. The Croswell woman’s arm was severed “just below the elbow” in a machine, said Croswell Police Chief Ron Buckmaster.
“At some point while her arm was in the machine, it powered back up,” Buckmaster said. “How that managed to happen, we don’t know.”
The chief described the blade as an auger, which does not have a smooth edge with a “clean cut.”
“It would definitely be very painful,” Buckmaster said.
Two tourniquets were applied at the scene on the woman’s arm before she was transported to a hospital.
Buckmaster said the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and the Michigan Sugar Safety Department are investigating the incident.
Sanilac County Sheriff’s deputies also responded to the scene.
“Our Safety Department, working in cooperation with outside agencies, is leading a full-scale investigation into the incident,” said Michigan Sugar spokesman Rob Clark. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Michigan Sugar Co. are with our team member and their family.”
Clark declined further comment, citing privacy concerns for the injured employee.
MLive could not reach staff at the sheriff’s office or Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration for comment.
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