Paramedics have treated a man for serious injuries, after has arm had become trapped in an industrial textile machine that he had been working with. It is believed one of the rollers on the machine caught his hand.
Paramedics from a local private ambulance service and KZN EMS responded to a factory in Hammersdale, inland from Durban, just before 13h00 today, to find the man had already been pulled free by colleagues. He was treated for severe injuries to his arm. The paramedics worked together to stabilize the man, before he was transported by the paramedics from the private ambulance service to a local private health care facility, for continued care and ongoing medical management.
When the initial call for the trapped man was received in the Durban KZN EMS Emergency call Management Centre, our air ambulance was put on standby for a hot response to the factory, awaiting an update on the man’s condition from the first paramedic, to arrive on scene. However fortunately the man was stable enough not to require to be airlifted.
The machine the man had been trapped in is believed to be used in the process of making cloth.
The exact circumstances leading up to the man being trapped and injured are being investigated by authorities.
With no prejudice to this case, safety must always be the main concern when working around machinery and we urge all employers to comply with the various OH&S regulations which are in place to protect workers.
Also when working with machinery, especially if it has external moving parts.
• Wear protective equipment recommended by the equipment’s manufacture
• Always adhere to the manufactures guidelines and safety recommendations
• Undertake safety training with staff using the equipment
• Don’t wear lose clothing
Robert Mckenzie
Media Liaison Officer: Emergency Medical Services
