Abstract: At 9:45 p.m. on August 9, 2002, Employee #1, who worked for a processor and packager of animal feed, was helping a coworker troubleshoot the belt drive of a transfer auger that was part of a network of grinding and mixing equipment connected by conveyors. While Employee #1 was looking at the equipment to determine what tools he might need to make some necessary adjustments, the coworker started the equipment using a control switch at the bottom floor. The top nip point of the belt drive was less than 4 ft from the floor. The sudden movement caused Employee #1 to lose his balance and his right hand became caught in an unguarded belt and pulley drive. Employee #1's right index fingertip was amputated. Employee #1 was treated for his injuries but was not hospitalized.