A contractor has died after being struck by a falling steel beam at the Port Kembla steelworks in New South Wales. The man, in his mid-20s, was working on the reline of the number five blast furnace when the incident occurred at approximately 10:30am on Monday.
BlueScope Steel reported that a crane lifting a steel beam fell, fatally striking the worker. Emergency services attended the scene and are assisting with the company's investigation. SafeWork NSW inspectors have also arrived, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The company expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, stating that its immediate priority is supporting employees, first responders, and the worker's family. Work in the immediate area has ceased, according to Australian Workers' Union NSW branch secretary Tony Callinan.
Gavin Bubb from the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union noted that colleagues are in shock and have been sent home, with the project largely halted. The reline of the dormant blast furnace began in 2024 to replace the aging number six furnace and is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
