A trader has died after falling about five meters through the roof of an empty factory in a horror workplace incident.
The roof plumber, 71, was working at a factory in Malaga in Perth’s north-east when he fell through a so-called ‘rusted tin roof’ on Tuesday.
CFMEU WA State Secretary Mick Buchan said this was the second workplace fatality in Perth this month as he called for stricter safety standards to be imposed on workplaces.
He said there is no room for mistakes in the construction industry, and nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of those who work in the coal mine.
“The CFMEU extends our sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the man who tragically died in Malaga on Tuesday afternoon after falling through a rusted tin roof,” he said.
‘Having specifically campaigned in October to raise awareness around the risks of working at height and fall prevention, we have now witnessed the tragedy of another worker who lost his life in those circumstances.
WorkSafe is investigating after a trader fell through a roof in a tragic accident in Perth
‘Why isn’t anyone listening? The message just isn’t getting through.
“The numbers continue to rise.”
Mr Buchan said these workers were more than just numbers: they were husbands, fathers, friends and colleagues who didn’t go home to eat.
“Here we are with another fatal accident that was completely preventable and should never have happened,” he said.
“This is a terrible waste of human life, and there are no excuses.
‘There is nothing more important than everyone going home safely at the end of the day.’
CMFEU Western Australian secretary Mick Buchan said the death was “completely preventable”.
WorkSafe investigators are now investigating the incident to ensure compliance and prevent future incidents.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said it was a tragic incident and sent her sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.