NT WorkSafe: Urgent warning issued to angle grinder users following horrific workplace injury

A man was left with a horrific injury after an angle grinder kicked back and sliced into his face and chest. Read the warning issued by WorkSafe.

Darcy Fitzgerald

@Drcyftz

less than 2 min read

May 14, 2025 - 11:43AM

The scene of the incident with the extent of the worker’s throat and face injuries (insert). Picture: NT WorkSafe

NT WorkSafe have issued a safety alert following a horrific workplace injury which left a man with severe lacerations to his face and throat.

A spokesman for WorkSafe said the 71-year-old worker was injured when a nine-inch angle grinder he was using “kicked-back” at a site in Winnellie.

“A 71-year-old worker was seriously injured earlier this year, while using a nine-inch angle grinder during renovation work at an industrial shed in Winnellie,” the spokesman said.

“The worker was standing on a ladder and cutting steel wall frames above his head when the incident occurred.

“The worker had been using a five-inch angle grinder to make the initial cuts but switched to the larger grinder to finish the job quicker.

“The grinder kicked-back causing a laceration that ran from the worker’s face, along this throat and into his chest.”

WorkSafe said there were a number of possible factors which could have led to the tool kick back: including overloaded power, the worker not being in a stable position or the actual power outlet — which WorkSafe testing revealed had “poor connection”.

Angle grinders are a common, but dangerous tool. Picture: Rob McKell

These findings led WorkSafe to make the following recommendations:

Carry out a risk assessment to identify alternative tools or methods of cutting before you use a nine-inch angle grinder.
Ensure you have proper footing and balance when using a grinder, and you do not overreach.
If you are cutting items that are upright or hanging, use props or clamps to prevent the item from sagging and pinching the cutting blade.
Do not modify the electrical components of power tools or associated leads unless you are qualified.

In June 2023, WorkSafe made a separate alert after four workers were injured within five weeks while using angle grinders.

The spokesman said the danger these tools posed was so great some companies had banned their use.

“Some companies in the Northern Territory and across Australia have implemented voluntary bans of nine-inch angle grinders on their worksites due to the high number of serious injuries and deaths that have occurred,” he said.