NT Worksafe’s warning after three serious machinery incidents

NT WorkSafe is issuing a warning to Territorians operating machinery and power tools after three serious incidents including one which a worker lost their arm in Katherine.

The disc guard of a wood chipper got loose and hit the user leaving them with serious fractures and internal injuries. Picture: Supplied

A Katherine farmer has lost their arm after a horrific incident on a Katherine cattle station.

The worker was using a post driver to hammer fences into the ground when they suffered a serious crush incident on November 15.

Their arm was later amputated due to the extent of the injury.

The incident was one of three serious workplace injuries involving machinery or power tools since September, leading to NT WorkSafe issuing a warning to all Territorians.

A worker on a Katherine cattle station lost their arm after it was crushed while using a post driver attached to a tractor. Picture: Supplied

It comes as two Alice Springs workers were seriously injured in separate incidents.

One suffered lacerations when an angle grinder kicked back into their face.

A worker operating an angle grinder was injured after it kicked back and hit them in the face. Picture: Supplied

According to NT WorkSafe the side handle was not fitted on the machine when the incident occurred on September 30.

Another experienced fractures and internal injuries when a wood chipper grinding disc guard came loose and hit the worker.

NT WorkSafe said inquiries were ongoing to the cause of the incidents and the response.

They urged workplaces to ensure effective safety measures were in place when undertaking similar activities.