Two workplace deaths in just over 24 hours

Earlier this week two workplace deaths resulting from falls were reported. The first incident took place on Tuesday 25 October, 2016 where a man plunged to his death at a construction site in Sydney's northwest. Police officers who first arrived at the scene administered CPR until paramedics arrived, but the man died at the scene. A crime scene has been established and police have begun working with SafeWork NSW to investigate. 

The next day another workplace related death was reported where a man fell to his death at a construction site. The sub-contractor was working at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Expansion project in South Wharf when he fell from a piece of equipment about 3.30pm. Union officials said the man was a boilermaker aged in his 50s, who was operating a boom lift on the work site. A witness said he heard screaming and yelling at the building site. "I looked up and there was a man slumped on the lift. Everyone was yelling and screaming and stuff and trying to wake him up," the man told Channel 10. The man was a member of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and came from a family heavily involved in the state's construction industry, officials said. The South Wharf site is operated by national construction firm Probuild. Probuild Group managing director Simon Gray said his thoughts were with the man's family. "It is with great sadness that we confirm a fatality involving an employee of one of our sub-contractors occurred this afternoon at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre Expansion project. "Our sincerest thoughts and condolences are with all those impacted - family, friends and workmates. "We are awaiting further details on the incident and are cooperating fully with Victoria Police and WorkSafe Victoria. Support and counselling is being offered to all affected construction workers and staff." The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the AMWU sent safety officials to the work site on Wednesday afternoon. WorkSafe is investigating and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

No doubt, the impact of these incidents will extend beyond the family and friends of these workers… Business owners should protect their workers, including subbies. Don’t risk non-compliance, contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132 to learn more about our services for Australian businesses