WORKSAFE Victoria has issued a safety warning regarding metal shaping lathes, after a 26 year old man was struck in the head by a steel rod being shaped by a lathe.
The incident occurred at a Thomastown steel fabrication business shortly after 4pm on 19 April 2010.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, the injured man was a factory-hand, not the lathe operator. He was hit on the back of his head after the steel rod, which extended beyond the lathe, bent.
WorkSafe Victoria inspectors are investigating the scene, while the worker is on life support in hospital.
WorkSafe Victoria says it is still too early to comment on the cause of the incident, but workplaces should re-examine lathe safety, due to their being a common presence in workshops and industrial operations.
The occupational health and safety authority says part of the danger stems from the speed of the rotating parts, which can cause serious injuries very quickly.
Add a comment