HOUSTON -- A teenager was injured when his hair was caught in a machine at a northwest Harris County business late Thursday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The 19-year-old was sweeping up at T-3 Energy Services on Cypress North Houston Road near Telge Road when the accident happened at about 11 p.m.

"He didn't have it secured at all," co-worker Quincy Daniels said. "I think when the managers told him to put it up was a couple weeks ago, but I guess he didn't take the advice."

Daniels said the teen's hair was caught in a large machine that is used to smooth out parts.

"It pulled the scalp and actually pulled him," Daniels said. "It just snatched his hair off. It threw him on the ground. When he left, his hair was still standing right there in the machine."

The teen's co-workers rushed to his aid before paramedics arrived.

"It was pretty gross, but we tried our best to help him," Daniels said. "We laid him down on his back and kept his head until the ambulance came."

The teen was transported by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in serious condition. Co-workers said he was talking when he left.

Managers called a meeting shortly after the accident to remind workers what is most important.

"Safety is first," Daniels said.

T-3 Energy Services manufactures parts for energy companies. In 2004, the company was listed as one of the Houston Chronicle's top 100 places to work.