Worked killed in drilling rig collapse
CFMEU Vic Health & Safety Unit Officer Gerry Ayers writes:
I regret to inform you that we had a tragic fatality (is there any other kind…) on Saturday afternoon (May 28). A 30 year old builders labourer, working for Frankiepile Australia, was killed when the upper mast section of a Fundex 3500 Piling Rig came away from the first or lower mast section of the rig.
The victim was at the top of the second section that fell. Each section of the mast is approximately 20 metres in length. This effectively meant that he fell from a height of at least 40 meters.
The rig was in the ‘set-up’ stages of the job and had not yet commenced the work it is designed for.
Initial investigations are continuing with Worksafe Victoria. Counseling has been provided to all our members on site, together with legal representation for all those affected and requiring this service.
