A WORKER who suffered traumatic injuries after becoming trapped in machinery was installing supportive hoarding to strengthen a ramp leading to Chalkwell rail station, it has been confirmed.

Emergency services rushed to the seafront and Chalkwell Esplanade on Wednesday after reports of a man being trapped in machinery before he was freed by the fire service and airlifted to hospital.

Southend Council has confirmed a council contractor was involved as part of a team installing “hoarding” and “additional props” to strengthen a ramp which leads to the railway bridge at Chalkwell train station.

The council has stated all safety protocols and risk assessments were in place however the Health and Safety Executive will carry out an investigation.

The worker suffered serious hand injuries, according to reports.

A Chalkwell Esplanade resident, who captured the incident on his CCTV, added: “Workmen were down there to board up the frontage at the bridge.

“One of them was using an electric saw, which trapped his fingers. It was battery powered, but they can be very powerful.

“He was wearing all his protective equipment, including gloves.

“It struck me how the guy appeared to stay very calm, he wasn’t panicking at all.

“You can see him using the saw. Then the next thing, his colleague is on the phone to the ambulance.”

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it is aware of incident and is making enquiries alongside Essex Police.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: “We can confirm that a contractor carrying out some works for the council was airlifted to Broomfield Hospital yesterday as a precaution having sustained injuries to his hand.

“The contractor was putting up supportive hoarding under a ramp close to Chalkwell beach.

“We have been assured all safety protocols and risk assessments were in place and the contractor was wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time.”

An Essex Police spokesman added: “We were called to reports of an industrial accident in the area of Chalkwell Esplanade, Westcliff, shortly before 1.30pm on Wednesday. It was reported one casualty, a man, had suffered a serious injury to his hand.”