After an accident that involved a subcontractor at a Brisbane CBD building site, workers have refused to return to work until they are satisfied with the safety arrangements. The subcontractor Braedon Webber, 25 is still in an induced coma this morning after being trapped between a piece of equipment and a concrete beam at the Laing O'Rourke tower at 123 Albert Street shortly before 7am yesterday.
The other subcontractors and union representatives are meeting to discuss ongoing safety problems at the tower. According to Builders Laborers Federation city organizer Kane Pearson, escape routes in case of accidents was a top concern among workers. He said, "We want to see that put in place before anyone else is put at risk… It was lucky [the] incident was on bay one, which you can drive up the ramp to get to… Our concern is if it happens [higher] in the building they won't be able to get them out safely and all workers want to see that happen before they return." He said workers would return only if the safety norms were in place.
"We've had numerous issues for about 18 months on this job, between the unions and Laing O'Rourke, the builders, in regards to safety…We've had stuff fall through screens on to the road ...we've had incidents regarding Laing O'Rourke's obligation to get people out of incident areas if they are injured," he added.
Laing O'Rourke is defending its safety arrangements meanwhile. A company spokesperson said, "Laing O'Rourke has a strong safety record and the protection of our workers is the company's top priority." Workplace Health and Safety will investigate yesterday's incident. Laing O'Rourke also released a statement saying Mr. Webber was hurt while operating a piece of lift equipment and that the cause of the accident was not yet known. Laing O'Rourke, also assured that workers were being offered counseling and other support.