6 September 2019

Man in critical condition after falling 10 metres at Dickson construction site

| Lachlan Roberts
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A man is in a critical condition after falling from scaffolding on Dickson construction site. Photos: Region Media.

A man in his 20s has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after an incident at a Dickson construction site.

Around 9:10 am on Friday morning (6 September), ACT Ambulance Service responded to an incident at a building site on Challis Street, Dickson. Paramedics assessed and treated a male patient for multiple injuries, before transporting him to hospital in a critical condition.

A WorkSafe ACT spokesperson said it is believed that the worker, a male in his early twenties, fell from scaffolding from a height of around 10 metres.

A non-disturbance notice has been put in place.

Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said that inspectors were likely to remain on the site late into the evening and return to the site on Saturday (7 September) as investigations continue.

“Our focus is on understanding how this serious incident occurred as well as ensuring that workers on site, including those who may have witnessed the incident, are receiving support,” Mr Jones said

The non-disturbance notice, put in place just after the incident by WorkSafe, remains in place.

Mr Jones said investigations into the cause of the incident would continue for some time.

“At this time our thoughts are with the injured worker, his family, friends and work colleagues,” he said. “It was a significant incident and we will be working with all parties to understand how it occurred over the coming days and weeks.

“This will assist in the prevention of future incidents of a similar nature.

Electrical Trades Union is currently at the scene.

“A fall from a height is one of the most significant risks on a construction site and I’d like to remind all employers to ensure safe work practices are in place and are communicated to workers.

“Workers should ensure they understand all relevant safe work practices and report any unsafe issues they may come across.”

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As anyone using the Dickson Interchange in the last few days knows, the next disaster waiting to happen is a couple of pedestrians getting killed or maimed when a scaffold tube being dismantled spears them while they ‘interchange’.

Blocking off only half the footpath with a couple of witches hats along with no overhead protection is about the most unsafe and dumbest practice possible.

Another totally avoidable tragedy, even by shonks.

However, rest assured, Worksafe will counsel the survivors with their platitudes when it inevitably happens.

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