A chilling video predicted the safety issue linked to a fall from scaffolding onto a concrete floor and steps at a construction site, where a young apprentice plunged and was fatally injured.
Tyler Whittonwho had just turned 17 and was starting work as an apprentice bricklayer, fell around three meters on Tuesday at around 1:30 p.m. at a construction site on Victoria Street in the inner-city suburb of West End, Brisbane.
He was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a serious condition where he was placed in an induced coma but could not be revived.
On June 16, the Construction, Forestry, Mining, Energy and Maritime Union (CFMEU) posted a video on social media in which it conducted an inspection of the site, in which it said a “huge fall from height” was a major safety concern.
Tyler Whitton, 17, died after falling from a construction site where he was working as an apprentice builder.
“We had a fall from height around the building, just over the edge,” the video’s narrator said as he showed a fall of several meters from the scaffolding to the concrete floor and steps.
The union said they were inspecting the site and made a video because workers contacted them that morning with safety concerns.
“The workers raised their concerns with the builder and told the CFMEU that they had not had time to clean the site or follow simple safety procedures,” the union said at the time.
CFMEU State Secretary Michael Ravbar on Wednesday criticized Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for allowing work to continue at the site on Tuesday after Tyler was taken to hospital.
“After it took three hours for WHSQ to show up, the developer was allowed to finish pouring the concrete despite a clearly identified risk of falls from height in several locations on the site’s upper deck,” he said. he declares.
“All under the supervision of a failed regulator who is supposed to manage health and safety at work.”
Video footage of a June site inspection by the construction union highlighted the danger of falls
Site developer CS Development Group has been contacted for comment.
A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australian on Thursday that “inspectors were immediately dispatched to the site”.
“Inspectors have issued a non-disturbance notice to secure the scene of the incident and have opened an investigation,” the spokesperson said.
“WHSQ understands that all work on site ceased immediately following the incident, with the exception of a concrete pouring operation in another area of the site. These activities ended approximately 30 minutes after WHSQ arrived on site.
“Compliance notices have been issued requiring the rectification of a number of high-risk issues before work can resume.”
The spokesperson said inspectors visited the site before Tuesday’s tragic accident.
“WHSQ’s proactive visit to the site on June 28, 2023 resulted in the issuance of two enforcement notices – not related to falls from height – which were complied with on time,” the spokesperson said .
“Apart from the ongoing investigation, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will continue to monitor the site to verify compliance with health and safety obligations.”
Tyler’s family members shared their grief over the workplace incident.
His aunt said: “Today we said the hardest goodbye to our beautiful, strong, funny, caring, loving and amazing nephew, Tyler George.”
“Words cannot describe the pain of saying goodbye. We are heartbroken,” they said.
“You just turned 17 and you were so excited to take the next step in your journey.
CFMEU State Secretary Michael Ravbar on Wednesday criticized Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for allowing work to continue at the site on Tuesday after Tyler was taken to hospital.
The apprentice builder’s grandfather, Jack Whitton, paid a heartbreaking tribute to him on Facebook.
“It is with a heavy heart and felt sadness that today I say goodbye to my beautiful, beloved grandson Tyler,” Mr Whitton wrote.
“Words cannot describe the pain and utter numbness we all feel… knowing we had to let him go.”
Mr Whitton said he couldn’t imagine the pain his son Luke, Tyler’s father, his partner Letitia and Tyler’s mother Jess are going through.
“Tyler, you have touched so many hearts with your life,” Mr. Whitton wrote.
“A parent or grandparent should never have to bury their child, and yet here we are.
“We will send Tyler off with much love in our hearts on his next journey.”
Tyler also kept fit by kickboxing with his Muay Thai club in Bulimba, posting a heartfelt tribute.
“Today we said goodbye to our young weapons superstar, Tyler,” the club said.
“He showed up to support every fighter at the shows, always worked hard and often talked about becoming a champion fighter, he was in full potential.”
“A beautiful child with a heart of absolute gold. We are very proud of him and know his legacy will live on through the lives of others he inspired.
