KEY POINTS:
A groundsman believed to have beenfixing a leaking roof in Whangarei is in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital's neurology ward after he fell through the roof on to a concrete floor.
Graeme Massey fell through a plastic section of a roof on a building in the Quarry Craft Centre, Selwyn Ave, last Thursday.
His cries for help about 11.30am were noticed by people nearby who had heard a crash. Three looked after Mr Massey until ambulance staff arrived and took him to Whangarei Hospital.
He was flown to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition with cerebral bleeding but at the weekend he improved enough to recognise and speak to his children.
Occupational Safety and Health officers are investigating the fall.
The chairwoman of the Northland Craft Trust, Sue Forward, said she did not know why Mr Massey had been on the roof.
"We knew he was fixing a leak but had no idea he was on the roof. We are assuming he must have slipped. It was tragic and everyone here at the Quarry is just concerned for his welfare."
She said it was fortunate people were nearby to help him as soon as he fell.
Mr Massey is in his mid-50s and has worked as the groundsman at the Quarry complex for the past year.
Ms Forward estimated he fell the equivalent of more than two storeys, but she added that he was not employed to repair roofs.
Fellow trustee and Whangarei District Council member on the trust board Shelley Deeming said the fall had devastated people involved with the Quarry.
- Northern Advocate
