Injured Westport worker suffered fall

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A truck driver suffered serious head injuries when he fell next to his vehicle at a Westport cement factory yesterday.

Holcim general manager cement Ross Pickworth said the man was found injured beside his truck at a silo loading bay at the Cape Foulwind cement works yesterday morning.

"All we really know is that he's had a fall."

Mr Pickworth said immediate first aid was provided and the worker was taken by ambulance to Buller Hospital before being airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.

He was conscious at the time.

Holcim wasn't sure of the exact cause or extent of the man's injuries.

A hospital spokeswoman said he was in a comfortable condition.

Mr Pickworth said the company was deeply shocked by the incident and was doing all it could to support the man, his family and colleagues.

The man had been working for Holcim for about nine months.

The company had notified the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (previously Department of Labour).

Holcim would also be conducting its own investigation.