Two Sydney workplace deaths under investigation

Investigations are continuing into the collapse of scaffolding at a Macquarie Park construction site on 1 April 2019.

During this incident, one person was killed and another was critically injured. The site is expected to be closed until SafeWork NSW is satisfied that it is safe and all evidence has been collected.

“The outcomes of this investigation are expected to take some time to gather meaningful and constructive results. SafeWork will examine a range of factors including the qualifications of relevant workers, environmental conditions, the load carried by the scaffolding, as well as the design, construction and maintenance of scaffolding,” said Executive Director of SafeWork NSW Tony Williams.

SafeWork is working with NSW Police, who are running a separate investigation. SafeWork is also preparing a report for the Coroner.

A Prohibition notice has been issued to the construction company, preventing access to work on the ground floor and basement levels of the site.

Notices have also been issued to the construction company to ensure the safe release of an inactive crane’s load on site. Engineers are assessing whether the structural integrity of the crane, as well as the electrical supply to it, have not been affected by the collapse of the scaffolding. This was required before the crane could be re-energised to release its load.

This fatal incident is one of two that occurred in Sydney last week, with the second being the death of an Ausgrid linesman on 2 April 2019.

“SafeWork NSW inspectors are investigating following an incident at Riverview Road, Riverview, on April 2 where a 39-year-old energy supply worker working from a cherry picker suffered a fatal electric shock. SafeWork NSW will prepare a report for the coroner,” said SafeWork’s Tony Williams.

The worker, a member of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), was part of a crew from Ausgrid’s Gore Hill depot who were working on the replacement of a low-voltage power pole in Riverview Road, Riverview, when the incident occurred.

ETU Secretary Justin Page said the union was offering its full support to the worker’s family and colleagues.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time,” Page said.

“We will be providing whatever practical support we can to assist the family as they deal with the devastating loss of a loved one, along with the emotional and financial hardships that inevitably follow.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/tashatuvango