Scaffolder loses both arms

A young father of three has suffered from severe burns, had both his arms amputated, and is now fighting for his life in hospital, after suffering an electric shock on a scaffolding worksite in West Auckland on April 19.

Toni Paikea, mother to Jahden Nelson, said Nelson was holding a steel pole when it touched lowhanging overhead power lines. Paikea said her son received a severe electric shock as he took the entire voltage of that power line.

She said he suffered a heart attack on site after the incident.

A spokesperson from Middlemore Hospital said Nelson was in a critical condition. Paikea said: ‘‘He’s got severe burns throughout his body and both arms have now been amputated.

‘‘He’s on dialysis every second day because his kidneys are failing. I’ve offered to give him one of mine.’’

She said his three children – aged 3, 2 and the youngest due to turn 1 in May – are not coping. ‘‘I know they’re hurting. I can see it in their eyes.’’

Paikea said Supercity Scaffolding, the company Nelson is contracted to, offered to provide food vouchers, petrol, and to pay for a car park at Middlemore Hospital. She said lines company Vector also offered her supermarket and petrol vouchers.

But Paikea said she wants both companies to be held accountable for their lack of health and safety protocols.

A spokesperson for Supercity Scaffolding referred Stuff to WorkSafe for comment. A spokesperson for WorkSafe said: ‘‘WorkSafe is investigating an incident involving a worker who suffered significant injury after contact with power lines while dismantling scaffolding.’’

A Vector spokesperson said the company issued a close approach consent to the scaffolding company. ‘‘The consent highlights the risks of working close to the lines and enables the company to work within defined areas.’’