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.’’

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.

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: ‘‘Vector’s role in this incident was limited to issuing a close approach consent before work began. These are issued in accordance with electricity safety standards to construction companies to provide minimum distances and safe work practices for working near power lines. This is a standard process in the construction industry and is required for anyone working next to power lines.’’

A Givealittle page has been set up by Paikea to support the family.