Dragged into machine

AN Upper Yarra apprentice’s sporting and professional dreams are on hold after his arm was mangled in a workplace accident.
Second year apprentice Patrick Twigg, 18, was studying to be a fitter and turner at Swinburne TAFE in Wantirna when his left hand and arm became entangled in a metal lathe on 13 April.
The protective dustcoat supplied by the TAFE caught in the machine, dragging the keen dirt bike rider’s left hand into the lathe.
“It was pretty scary and it happened so quick, I had to rip my arm out … I thought I was going to lose my whole arm,” Patrick said.
Patrick’s injuries included a break to the bone in his upper arm requiring a plate with eight bolts, two breaks in his wrist requiring a further two metal plates and eleven bolts and a break to a bone in his hand above his little finger.
He also suffered a dislocated shoulder.
He is still recovering from the ordeal at his parents’ home near Warburton.
“I’ve had an operation to put three plates put in my arm and I’ve got a wire from my little finger to my hand,” Patrick explained.
“My fingers really hurt, and the doctors are concerned about nerve damage in my thumb, but they’re hopeful that I’ll recover well.”
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers representative Kim Shaw said Patrick was able to submit a WorkCover claim because he was studying at TAFE as part of his apprenticeship.
Ms Shaw said Swinburne had sent a letter to employers telling them that from now on they must supply their apprentices with their own ‘well-fitting’ overalls.
“I am heartened that Patrick’s employer has been so supportive of him since his accident,” Ms Shaw said.
Worksafe is investigating the incident.
For Patrick the long road to recovery continues.
A senior player for Powelltown Football Club, Patrick has had to cheer from the sidelines this season.
His dirt bike aspirations are also on hold.
“My friends and I got into dirt bikes a few years ago. I had hoped to start racing this year,” he said.
“Instead, this accident has ruined my footy and I’ve probably lost my chance to race.”
Swinburne was not able to respond by the time the Mail went to press.