A MAN was knocked unconscious and suffered significant injuries after a tractor tyre exploded while it was being inflated yesterday (December 20). 

The 19-year-old was at his workplace Beaurepaire Tyre, on the corner of Canberra Avenue and Ipswitch Street in Fyshwick, at about 4.45pm when he was knocked unconscious from the explosion.

He also suffered facial fractions and lacerations, multiple arm fractures, rib fractures and possible internal injuries. 

WorkSafe ACT is investigating and a Prohibition Notice on activity at the site has been put in place until further notice. 

ACT Work Safety commissioner Greg Jones said an initial finding was that a protective cage/barrier was allegedly not used during inflation of the tyre.

“This incident is extremely troubling and it is very fortunate that this worker was not killed,” he said.

“I am very concerned that a cage or barrier was allegedly not in use by the workers, particularly considering the size of the tyre being inflated.

“I will be issuing a safety alert to industry on the importance of cages/protection barriers when working with large tyres, such as those for four wheel drives, trucks, tractors and other heavy vehicles.”