Eye Injury During Routine Maintenance

A mulcher unit was clearing a right-of-way during pipeline construction when an electrical issue caused a breakdown. A mechanic was called to the work site and diagnosed the problem.

Once the electrical issue was identified and repaired, the mechanic helped the mulcher operator replace worn teeth on the unit so it could return to service.The work was conducted in cold conditions.

The operator and mechanic successfully replaced over 30 teeth using a hammer and chisel to pry the worn teeth loose.

The workers continued removing worn teeth until the mechanic was struck in the eye with a piece of metal debris.

The operator provided immediate first aid and the mechanic was flown to a hospital for specialised emergency care.

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