# Amputations at WEL, Inc.
> OSHA SIR `2021098239` · 9/24/2021 · BLUEFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA
## Severity
- **1 amputation, 1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Finger(s), fingernail(s), unspecified
- **Nature of injury:** Amputations
## Cause
- **Event:** Explosion, n.e.c.
- **Source:** Explosives, blasting agents, n.e.c.
- **Secondary source:** Grinders, abraders
## Employer
- **Name:** WEL, Inc.
- **Location:** 101 Old Princeton Road, BLUEFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA, 24701
- **NAICS:** 562910
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

On September 24, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m., two employees were clearing weeds and brush from the exterior of the shop building. The employees found several pieces of a small, cord-like material and brought them inside the shop to investigate. An employee attempted to cut into the material with a grinder. The material turned out to be a detonation cord that exploded when it touched the grinder. One employee suffered amputations to fingers on his left hand and was hospitalized. The second employee suffered cuts, as a result of the explosion and shrapnel.

---
*Source: [OSHA Severe Injury Reports](https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports) · MORVS · CC0 1.0*