NSW Ambulance Inspector Norm Rees said the man was using a grinder when the disc exploded and hit him in the forehead, causing serious injury.

“The blade has exploded and it’s fragmented and hit his right temple region, a piece of the blade is still stuck in his head and he’s got a skull fracture,” Inspector Rees said.

“Very serious, but he’s stable at this time.”

Paramedics attended the scene about 12.30pm and transported him to Illawarra Regional Airport.

He will be flown from the airport in an ambulance rescue helicopter.