Worker involved in ‘serious’ accident at Nyrstar smelter at Port Pirie
A WORKER has been “seriously” injured after a workplace accident at one of the state’s main smelters.
- Six month delay to Port Pirie smelter redevelopment
- The state’s two blast furnaces in serious trouble following storm
- SafeWork SA investigating discovery of asbestos fibres in Nyrstar
A WORKER has been “seriously” injured after a workplace accident at one of the state’s main smelters.
Emergency services were called to the Nyrstar Port Pirie smelter at 2.36pm after reports the unnamed worker, 42, had been “trapped in a conveyancer”.
The CFS also helped with the worker’s rescue who remained trapped for more than an hour.
Authorities said the sinter plant operator - who is responsible for transporting materials to blast furnances - suffered “serious” injuries including to both legs.
Paramedics worked to stabilise the employee, who has not been identified, before he was transferred to the Port Pirie hospital.
He will then be airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
An SA Ambulance spokeswoman said the man was in a “serious but stable” condition with non life threatening injuries.
A SafeWork SA spokeswoman said it had been notified and several inspectors were travelling to the site to investigate.
All workplace accidents are investigated by the state’s safety watchdog.
A Nyrstar spokeswoman said work around the area was suspended pending investigation. The rest of the smelter was continuing operation.
Workers will be briefed later.