A 71-year-old man sustained a severe injury while working at an industrial shed in Darwin. The incident occurred when he was using an angle grinder to cut steel wall frames while perched on a ladder. Initially, he used a smaller five-inch grinder but opted for a larger model to expedite the process, which ultimately led to the accident, as reported by NT WorkSafe.
The injury resulted from a “kick-back” from the nine-inch grinder, causing a deep laceration that extended from his face down through his throat to his chest. Following the incident, NT WorkSafe issued a warning regarding the dangers of using such power tools, especially in unstable positions. They highlighted that larger grinders can be more difficult to control and noted the possibility that the electrical lead might have been overloaded at the time of the accident.
In light of this incident, NT WorkSafe advised workers to conduct thorough risk assessments before using larger tools. They encouraged the exploration of alternative cutting methods and tools, as well as ensuring adequate stability and securing the materials being worked on. Furthermore, they emphasised that modifications to electric tools and leads should only be performed by qualified professionals. The authority also shared images of the injured man’s stitches and the grinder involved, underscoring the severity of the accident.