# Puncture wounds, except gunshot wounds at Northwestern Energy
> OSHA SIR `2023076164` · 7/11/2023 · BRIDGER, MONTANA
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Finger(s), fingernail(s), n.e.c.
- **Nature of injury:** Puncture wounds, except gunshot wounds
## Cause
- **Event:** Struck by discharged object or substance
- **Source:** Paint removers, thinners
- **Secondary source:** Sprayers, air guns-paint
## Employer
- **Name:** Northwestern Energy
- **Location:** 794 N Dry Creek Road, BRIDGER, MONTANA, 59014
- **NAICS:** 221122
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

An employee was painting pipeline risers. After he completed painting, the employee was cleaning the paint sprayer nozzle with mineral spirits (petroleum base solvent used as paint thinner) when his right hand slipped, causing cleaning solvent to inject into the lower front portion of his left middle finger. The employee was hospitalized and had surgery.

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