Steelworks accident crushes worker's hand

A worker's hand has been partially severed after it was crushed by machinery at South Australia's Whyalla steelworks.

Emergency services worked for about three hours to free the man after his hand became trapped at about 8am (CST) on Thursday.

He was later flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a stable condition.

Arrium said it had launched an internal investigation into the incident and would also assist SafeWork SA with its enquiries.

"Arrium is providing support to the employee and his family, while other employees on-site are also being provided with support services," the company said in a statement.