A contractor has died after being struck by a falling steel beam at the Port Kembla steelworks in New South Wales. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30am on Monday while the man, aged in his mid-20s, was working on the reline of the number five blast furnace.
BlueScope Steel stated that a crane lifting a steel beam fell and fatally struck the worker. Emergency services attended the scene, and SafeWork NSW inspectors have launched an investigation, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
The Australian Workers' Union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union confirmed that work in the immediate area ceased. AMWU representative Gavin Bubb said colleagues of the deceased were sent home and are in shock.
BlueScope Steel expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, emphasizing support for workers, first responders, and the victim's family. The reline project, which began in 2024 to replace the aging number six blast furnace, is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
