A tradesman died after falling about five meters through the roof of an empty factory in a horror workplace incident.
The roofing plumber, 71, was working at a Malaga factory in Perth’s north-east when he fell through a “rusty tin roof” on Tuesday.
CFMEU WA state secretary Mick Buchan said it was the second workplace death in Perth this month and called for tougher safety standards to be imposed on workplaces.
He said there was no margin for error in the construction industry and there was nothing more important than the safety and well-being of those working on the coal face.
“The CFMEU sends our deepest condolences to the family and co-workers of the man who tragically lost his life after falling through a rusty tin roof in Malaga on Tuesday afternoon,” he said.
‘Having campaigned specifically to raise awareness of the risks of working at heights and preventing falls in October, we have now witnessed the tragedy of another worker who lost his life in those same circumstances.
WorkSafe is investigating after tradesman fell from roof in tragic accident in Perth
‘Why doesn’t anyone listen? The message just doesn’t get through.
“The numbers continue to rise.”
Buchan said these workers were more than just numbers: They were husbands, fathers, friends and co-workers who didn’t come home for dinner.
“Here we find ourselves facing another death that was totally avoidable and should never have happened,” he said.
‘This is a terrible loss of life and there are no excuses.
“There is nothing more important than everyone returning home safely at the end of the day.”
CMFEU Western Australia secretary Mick Buchan said the death was “entirely preventable”.
WorkSafe investigators are now examining the incident to ensure compliance and prevention of future incidents.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said it was a tragic incident and extended her sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.