Young Apprentice in Critical Condition After Arm Severed in Welshpool Workshop
A teenage apprentice is fighting for his life after suffering a catastrophic workplace injury at an engineering firm in Welshpool last week. The 18-year-old worker had his arm completely severed when it became trapped in industrial machinery at Ardello Engineering on Treasure Road North.
Emergency Response and Hospitalisation
Emergency services were called to the Welshpool workshop on January 12 following reports of the traumatic incident. Paramedics treated the young man at the scene before rushing him to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition. Medical staff immediately prepared him for reconstructive surgery to address the severe injury.
St John WA confirmed on Thursday that the apprentice's condition has improved from critical to stable, and he has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit. However, he continues to receive specialised medical care for the life-altering injury.
Workplace Safety Investigation Underway
WorkSafe WA has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the horrific incident. A spokeswoman for the workplace safety regulator confirmed they are examining what led to the apprentice's traumatic arm injury.
"WorkSafe can confirm that a serious incident occurred at Ardello Engineering in Welshpool last Monday in which an apprentice suffered a traumatic arm injury," the spokeswoman stated. The investigation will focus on workplace safety protocols, machinery operation procedures, and training adequacy at the engineering facility.
About Ardello Engineering
Ardello Engineering operates from its Welshpool location and serves customers across multiple industrial sectors including mining, marine, and rail industries. The company's website showcases various engineering projects including:
- Pump components manufacturing
- Wheel spindle production
- Industrial wheel bearing fabrication
Despite the serious incident, the company promotes itself as having a "family atmosphere" and emphasizes its commitment to developing new talent. Their website states: "At Ardello Engineering we strongly believe that success is centred around people. New talent, injecting new DNA into our business, bringing fresh ideas and giving a helping hand to those with aptitude and skills who seek an opportunity to develop their career is inherent to our organisation."
The workplace safety investigation continues as the young apprentice remains hospitalised, with his recovery journey just beginning following the life-changing industrial accident.
