Worker Injured by Farm Equipment

Earlier today around 11:35am, Forest Grove Firefighters were dispatched to an Industrial Accident located on NW Strohmayer Road, North of Forest Grove. When crews were responding they got word that a farm worker had gotten his hand severely injured in a walnut harvester while working in the orchard about 700 feet away from the closest address. Crews arrived to find other workers providing first aid care to the injured coworker. Firefighters treated and stabilized the patient for transport by Metro West Ambulance to a local trauma hospital.

After speaking with coworkers, it was found that while sweeping up the walnuts the debris removal fan became clogged. At that point the worker tried to clear the debris and for an unknown reason the internal fan struck their hand. They were able to remove the workers hand easily and no specialized rescue equipment was needed.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue wants to remind everyone that whenever using motorized equipment to always turn off the device completely before doing any kind of work or adjustment to it. Whether it is a small chain saw for yard work or large piece of farm equipment in a field, always have safety in mind.