Chris Tuck posted on September 29, 2010 10:57
Workers at a Brisbane CBD building site where a subcontractor was crushed by a concrete beam have returned to work amid claims the site is unsafe.
Braedon Webber, 25, remains in an induced coma after he was trapped between a piece of equipment and a concrete beam at the Laing O’Rourke tower at 123 Albert Street shortly before 7am.
His colleagues downed tools and walked off the site, refusing to return until builders Laing O'Rourke proved it was safe.
A spokeswoman for Laing O'Rourke said the approximately 300 men had resumed work the next morning.
Subcontractors and union representatives held a meeting at the site the next day to discuss ongoing safety problems at the tower.
Builders Labourers Federation city organiser Kane Pearson said workers were particularly concerned there was no proper escape route if an accident occurred.
‘‘We want to see that put in place before anyone else is put at risk,’’ Mr Pearson told brisbanetimes.com.au yesterday.
‘‘It was lucky [the] incident was on bay one, which you can drive up the ramp to get to.
‘‘Our concern is if it happens [higher] in the building they won’t be able to get them out safely and all workers want to see [safety improvements] before they return.’’
He had said the workers would only return to work if they were satisfied the site was safe.
‘‘We’ve had numerous issues for about 18 months on this job, between the unions and Laing O’Rourke, the builders, in regards to safety,’’ Mr Pearson said.
‘‘We’ve had stuff fall through screens on to the road ... we’ve had incidents regarding Laing O’Rourke’s obligation to get people out of incident areas if they are injured.’’
The union declined to comment on the situation.
Laing O’Rourke defended its approach to safety in a statement.
‘‘Laing O’Rourke has a strong safety record and the protection of our workers is the company’s top priority,’’ the statement said.
Laing O'Rourke also released a statement saying Mr. Webber was hurt while operating a piece of lift equipment and that the cause of the accident was not yet known. Laing O'Rourke, also assured that workers were being offered counseling and other support.
Workplace Health and Safety is investigating the incident.
The construction of the tower is due to be completed in December.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.