Pilbara Mine Death Has Left Workers "Traumatised"

Workers at the Pilbara mine site have been left “traumatised” after a scaffolder tragically died on site last Friday at 11 am. 

The 52-year-old maintenance contractor fell from height to his death at the Sino Iron site. Paramedics treated the man at the scene before transferring him to Karratha Health Campus in a critical condition but he died on the way to the hospital.

Authorities, including WA Police, are now preparing a report for the coroner. 

Meanwhile, Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union State secretary Mick Buchan said an organiser who visited the site on Monday reported that workers were “traumatised”.

A spokesman for the Sino Iron Project (operated by China’s CITIC Pacific Mining) say they have notified the victim’s family and that support was being provided by his direct employer. 

“We’re currently directing our efforts to helping those affected at site, including provision of counselling, and managing the incident under the guidance of relevant authorities. We extend our deep condolences to the man’s family and workmates and will work closely with investigators to determine the cause of this tragedy,” the spokesman said.

Sally North, the representative for the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety, said they are also investigating and safety inspectors would be on site on Monday. 

Following the incident, work continued, however, the area where it occurred was sectioned off and isolated.

The Sino Iron magnetite operation is located at Cape Preston, about 100km south of Karratha.

Call MATES in construction on 1300 642 111 if you need support.

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