Statement from ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones


Released 08/12/2016

WorkSafe ACT investigate serious incident involving Canberra apprentice

WorkSafe ACT was called to an incident this afternoon involving a first year apprentice on a residential building site in Denman Prospect.  

The apprentice was using a power saw and partially severed two fingers and his thumb. The apprentice was taken to hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

WorkSafe are conducting an investigation into this matter and have requested all relevant documents on the apprentice’s training and supervision.

The apprentice was employed through an MBA apprenticeship program and part of the investigation will include a review of their training instruction and on-site supervision arrangements.

This injury to a young worker is of great concern to WorkSafe and with a number of recent workplace incidents occurring in Canberra, I urge everyone in the construction industry to ensure safety remains the most important priority.

From employers and industry representatives; to workers and unions; government and consumers; we all have a role to play in making sure that safety remains a top priority in the workplace.

I wish to emphasise to everyone to follow their safe operating procedures carefully, make sure all workers are properly inducted into each worksite and to fully supervise apprentices and other inexperienced workers.

- Statement ends -

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