A Southern Commercial Divers driver has died in a workplace incident at the Port Kembla Steelworks on Wednesday afternoon.
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NSW Ambulance paramedics rushed to the site after reports of man was trapped between a ute and a crane at 2.25pm.
The first of the arriving paramedics pronounced the 59-year-old man deceased.
BlueScope's general manager for manufacturing Dave Bell said the man was an employee of Southern Commercial Divers, based in Tullimbar, working at the wharf known as Berth 112.
"Emergency services were called to site but the man could not be revived," he said.
"BlueScope has shut wharf operations until such time as the police advise operations may resume.
"This is an unexpected and tragic event that has shocked the whole site.
"We are thinking especially of this man's family, friends and work colleagues at this time."
The Australian Workers' Union understands the man was a driver for Southern Commercial Divers and was unloading diving equipment from the truck at the time of the incident.
The man's family has been informed of his death.
Police and managers from Southern Commercial Divers remain on site.
The Mercury understands the man had been involved in maintenance work that had been ongoing at the site for several days.
His work was reportedly unrelated to the maintenance taking place at the steelworks' sinter plant.
Wollongong Police District officers have started inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Australian Workers' Union's NSW acting assistant secretary Paul Farrow said "our thoughts are with the man's family, his colleagues, and his friends."
"Today's death should serve as a tragic reminder that we can never be complacent about worker safety," Mr Farrow said.
"Our members work in tough and dangerous conditions.
"We will be working with BlueScope and SafeWork NSW throughout the police and coronial inquiry.
"Our union will also be making enquiries to find out how this happened and help ensure it never happens again".
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris said he was also saddened to hear of the worker's death.
"This is a very cruel reminder of how dangerous the heavy industry can be," he said.
"It underscores the need for health and safety practices and reminds us that coming home is the most important job.
"His death will hit his family and the town hard."
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Angela Thompson
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
