The death of a construction worker at the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus has highlighted the need for a stronger regulator and industrial manslaughter laws.
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So said NSW CFMEU assistant secretary Rob Kera, following the death of the 55-year-old man, who was rushed to Wollongong Hospital on January 9 after falling through the roof of a disused accommodation demolition site.
He died later that night.
"No one should die at work and we are deeply saddened for this man's family, friends and workmates," Mr Kera said.
"Our hearts and condolences go out to his family. We know too well just how devastating it is for families to lose a loved one at work. No worker should ever not come home because of a lack of safety on the job.
"We are only in the second week of the year and NSW has already experienced its first death on a construction site. It is just not good enough."
In a statement, the University of Wollongong said it was with much sadness that it was informed of the death of the contractor.
"The university has expressed its deepest condolences to his employer, Empire Contracting Pty Ltd, and family at this difficult time.
"The university continues to assist Safe Work NSW with their investigation into the incident.
"Work has resumed at the site, with some restrictions in force, while investigations progress.
"The demolition site remains under the management of the project prime contractor, Affective Services Australia Pty Ltd."
Mr Kera said the death was the latest in "an appalling recent record of workers being killed and injured on a NSW construction site".
"The regulator, SafeWork NSW, seems unable to meet its essential role of keeping workers safe," he said.
"It is alarming to see how many construction companies and bosses think they can cut corners and put their own profits above worker safety.
"How many workers must die before the NSW government realises we need strong industrial manslaughter laws with the threat of serious jail time?"
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
