A father-of-one has been identified as the worker killed in a freak workplace accident.
Barry Breslin, 35, from Ireland, was working at the Greenwood site in Perth’s north when it became apparent he was struck by a concrete slat being lifted by an excavator just before midday on Thursday.
He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by St John WA paramedics with serious head injuries but died a short time later.
Mr Breslin was the father of a young son and was engaged to his partner Melissa.
It is understood he lived in Australia for a number of years, having grown up in Kilcar, Donegal, Ireland.
His local Gaelic football club shared a tribute to the 35-year-old.
“It was a great shock to all of us when news reached us this morning of Barry’s untimely passing in Australia,” wrote CLG Chill Chartha.
“Barry played for the club for many years as an underage player and is fondly remembered by the players and everyone involved at the time, and by his mother Mary, a tireless volunteer and supporter of our club over the years.
Barry Breslin, 35, from Ireland, was working at the Greenwood site in Perth’s north when it emerged he was struck by a concrete slat being lifted by an excavator just before midday on Thursday.
“Our hearts go out to you and your family and we extend our prayers to all of you at this sad time.”
WorkSafe confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Breslin’s death ‘with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents’.
“The man is said to have been struck by a piece of equipment that fell,” a WorkSafe spokesperson said.
Commissioner Sally North described the incident as a “tragedy” and sent her condolences to the man’s family and friends.
Tributes have flowed for the young father-of-one
According to CFMEU Secretary of State Mick Buchan, the tragedy has brought the construction site death toll in WA this year to 10.
He also expressed the union’s condolences to the employee’s family and announced an investigation into the matter.
Mr Buchan said the incident “involved an excavator and lifting equipment” but declined to speculate on the details, noting that a “worker tragically did not return home today.”
“We are once again confronted with another fatal accident that was completely preventable and should never have happened,” he said, according to the West Australian.
In the photo some of Mr Breslin’s colleagues are at the scene after the fatal accident
WorkSafe confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Breslin’s death ‘with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents’