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QUEEN CREEK -- A construction worker was flown to the hospital Tuesday morning after an accident in which his arm was amputated.

It happened just before 8 a.m. at a construction site on the northeast corner of Ocotillo and Rittenhouse roads.

The 44-year-old man was working with a concrete conveyer belt, said Dep. Lindsey Smith of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Thinking something might have been stuck, the man reached into the machine to clear it. The roller pulled his arm in, crushing it to the point of amputation between the shoulder and elbow.

The man was air-lifted to the hospital. His condition was not known.

The construction crew was working on the beginning stages of what will be a Jack in the Box.

this is sooooo sad. I hope he is ok.

that is terrible to hear.

I did the same stupid thing in a precast factory, many years ago.  I got very lucky.  I saw concrete stuck to the inside of the belt and wanted to know if it was fresh or old.  It turned out to be old and hard.  It snagged my glove and pulled my arm in between the belt and the head pully.  The belt was loose enough to slip on the pulleys and I got out with a broken arm.

I was in charge of the operation and could/should have stopped the belt before I checked it.  Dumb, dumb, dumb.  I thank God it did not take my arm.

Even if you think it is okay, even if you are being very careful, consider the possible consequences of your actions, around machinery and elsewhere.  Is what you are about to do worth the gamble.

"Be careful out there"

Fred

Perfect advice, Fred. Our friend Mark Montgomery did the same thing you did; he now has a 2foot square scar on his back that is impregnated with belt black.

Turn off the belt.

Put the keys in your pocket.

THEN service the machine... or just do it your way; your choice.

The company that you work for does not want you to take that chance. You are being paid to protect your self and your company. Take the time to do it safely.

The info. is not correct.  The operator did get his arm caught in the belt, but he did not lose his arm.  It is broken in several places and missing some skin.  He learned a valuable lesson the hard way.  Listen to Bob, Lock out/Tag out.