A 19-year-old man was knocked unconscious and received significant injuries when a tractor tyre that was being inflated exploded at a Fyshwick tyre shop on Thursday afternoon, WorkSafe ACT has said.
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The man received facial fractions and lacerations, multiple arm fractures, rib fractures and possible internal injuries, WorkSafe ACT said in a statement.
But a staff member at the Beaurepaire Tyre shop where the incident occurred said staff were told on Thursday night that a CT scan revealed the man only had a bad broken arm.
A spokeswoman for WorkSafe said investigators were briefed by medical staff on Thursday night at the hospital and stood by their initial statement.
ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said it was fortunate the young man was alive, after the tyre exploded in close proximity to the teenager.
WorkSafe ACT is investigating the incident, which occurred about 4.45pm at the tyre shop on the corner of Canberra Avenue and Ipswich Street.
A prohibition notice has been placed on the site until further notice.
The tyre shop remained open on Friday but the truck area, which had no bookings, was closed, a staff member said.
ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said initial investigations suggest a protective cage or barrier was allegedly not used while the tyre was being inflated.
"I will be issuing a safety alert to industry on the importance of cages and protection barriers when working with large tyres, such as those for four wheel drives, trucks, tractors and other heavy vehicles," Mr Jones said.
"Once again I would urge all workers and employers across all industries to put safety at the forefront of all activity and to ensure that all safety procedures are followed."
WorkSafe's investigation, which continued late on Thursday, was ongoing, Mr Jones said.