40-year-old man’s leg crushed in Nhulunbuy

Wild weather has left a man in hospital with crush injuries, after temporary shelving fell on his leg.

Wild weather has left a man in hospital with crush injuries, after temporary shelving fell on his leg.

Initial reports from St John Ambulance said a bucket from an excavator fell and crushed the leg.

However, NT WorkSafe has said it was the poor dry season weather that had contributed to the injury.

“Preliminary enquires indicate workers at the worksite had strung up tarpaulin as protection from the wind and rain,” a statement from NT WorkSafe said.

“Strong wind has blown the tarpaulin against temporary shelving, which has subsequently fallen onto the worker and injuring his leg.”

The injury was reported to NT WorkSafe on Wednesday, shortly after it occurred at 6.30am.

“Our enquiry is ongoing and the outcome will determine the appropriate regulatory response,” the statement said.

“NT WorkSafe reminds all workplaces to secure materials and equipment on worksites to ensure they are not impacted by strong winds and become a hazard.”

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway told ABC Radio Darwin of the incident on Thursday morning.

“It did trap him for a period of time and caused a bit of a crush injury,” he said.

“But bystanders were able to get (it) off him.

“Paramedics attended and treated him and got him up to the Nhulunbuy Hospital where he’s making a full recovery.”

The man has since been flown to the Royal Darwin Hospital and is in a stable condition.