After a cleaning pig run of an oil pipeline, the pig (pipeline inspection gauge) was cleaned, dismantled, checked and reassembled. A cotter pin was required to complete the job. A worker involved in the pig reassembly found the lid of the plastic container of cotter pins secured with a cable tie.

He decided to use a paint scraper from a nearby bench to remove the tie. The worker pushed the scraper under the tie and twisted it until the tie broke. The edge of the scraper then struck and severely lacerated the arm holding the container, damaging tendons and an artery.

First aid was administered on site. The injured worker was transferred to the regional hospital, where he stayed overnight for medical treatment before travelling to Perth for an operation at a major hospital. The worker returned to work a week and a half later.