Ararat Sergeant Matt Horan said the man was operating a 30 tonne excavator when it rolled on its side.

Initial responding crews were confronted with an excavator that had tipped over while loading rocks into a crusher, trapping the driver inside. 

Co-workers used another excavator to secure the excavator from falling any further.

Due to the position of the excavator and the need to be working at height with a significant fall risk, a request for specialised high angle operators and technicians was made. 

Victoria State Emergency Service Ararat unit is one of five endorsed in high angle rescue Units across the state.

Members also received specialist support from the Stawell unit, Ballarat City Country Fire Authority and Warrnambool Country Fire Authority.

Sgt Horan said the driver, an interstate contractor, sustained injuries in the incident.

“The excavator was perched precariously on a crushed rock pile,” he said.

“It was a prolonged effort by SES and CFA to do a high ropes rescue.”

Sgt Horan said the man was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital from the scene.

He said WorkSafe Victoria was investigating the incident.