A teenage apprentice in Perth has suffered a catastrophic workplace injury, losing his dominant right arm in a machinery accident just weeks before he was due to formally qualify as a tradesman.
Critical Incident at Family-Run Workshop
Chaz Gordon, 18, was critically injured on Monday, January 12, after becoming caught in machinery at Ardello Engineering, a family-run manual machining business located in Welshpool, in Perth's south-eastern suburbs.
The devastating incident resulted in his right arm being severed above the elbow. Emergency services rushed the young apprentice to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition, where medical teams attempted reconstructive surgery on the limb.
Medical Efforts and Investigation
Despite the best efforts of surgical staff at Royal Perth Hospital, the severe nature of the injury meant the arm could not be saved. The young man remains in hospital recovering from the traumatic incident.
WorkSafe WA has confirmed it has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The workplace safety regulator is examining machinery use and safety procedures that were in place at the time of the incident.
Career Cut Short Before Qualification
Mr Gordon had left school in Year 10, just weeks before his 15th birthday, to begin a fitter and machinist apprenticeship at the workshop. He had successfully completed his apprenticeship requirements in December and was only weeks away from receiving his formal trade certification when the accident occurred.
The timing of the incident has added to the tragedy, occurring as the young tradesman was on the cusp of beginning his qualified career in the engineering industry.
Community Support and Future Hopes
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help fund a robotic arm for Mr Gordon, with the fundraising page describing him as a 'hands-on creator' who hopes to remain in the trade despite his life-changing injury.
'While he will receive support, it does not cover the equipment he truly needs to regain his independence and return to the hands-on life he loves,' the statement on the fundraising page explained.
'A new arm will allow Chaz to return to his passions of creating, building, working, and reclaiming parts of his life that bring him joy and identity.'
Family Hopes for Recovery and Adaptation
Mr Gordon's father has expressed hope that a trans-humeral robotic arm would help his son continue pursuing his passions. 'This will enable him to continue doing what he loves, but also in his field of passion,' he wrote in a social media update on Sunday night.
The family's focus is now on supporting the young man through his recovery and adaptation to life with a prosthetic limb, while maintaining his connection to the trade he has trained in for years.
Workplace Safety Under Scrutiny
WorkSafe WA has issued a formal statement confirming their investigation into the serious incident. 'WorkSafe confirm a serious incident occurred at Ardello Engineering in Welshpool in which an apprentice suffered a traumatic arm injury,' the regulatory body stated.
The investigation will examine all aspects of the workplace environment, safety protocols, and machinery operation to determine what factors contributed to this devastating accident and whether any workplace safety regulations were breached.
