Peter White: Bundaberg sugar worker killed in tragic workplace incident
A Maroons-loving dad and husband, killed after becoming “entangled” on the job for a sugar company, is being remembered as the workplace watchdog investigates.
Teary tributes are flowing for a sugar cane train worker tragically killed in a horror workplace accident.
Peter ‘Whitey’ White, a Gold Coast man and devoted Queensland Maroons fan, was working at an industrial site for Bundaberg Sugar in the city’s east when he became "entangled” in the early hours of Monday morning.
A formal investigation has been launched by Workplace Health and Safety, with many calling for an industry wide work practices probe.
On Tuesday, Mr White’s colleague, who preferred not to be named, teared up as he described him as a “bloody great bloke”.
His aunt, Beverly Anger said her “lovely nephew” was a father of sons and devoted husband and a “fun very hardworking man” who “loved his family”.
Online, emotional tributes were growing.
Takeshi Covac, said in a comment “hard pressed to find a better bloke while another friend, Alison Royan commented:
“He was a great bloke. Condolences to the family. RIP”.
Meghan Trail said, “thinking of the family rip yes I had heard he was a top bloke”.
“Such a tragic loss of life, my thoughts are with everyone affected,” Darren Robinson said.
On Tuesday afternoon Bundaberg Sugar released a statement echoing the sentiments shared across the community.
“We are deeply saddened to share that a long-term Bundaberg Sugar employee was fatally injured in a workplace incident on Monday morning” the statement read.
This is a heartbreaking loss for our team. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the employee’s family, friends and colleagues as they face this incredibly difficult time.
Our immediate focus is on supporting the family and providing care for those who were directly affected.
We are working closely with the relevant authorities, and police have attended the scene.”
The company closed the statement out with an offer of counselling for friends and family struggling after the tragedy.
“Counselling and support services are available for all employees and their families, and we encourage anyone impacted to reach out to our Employee Assistance Program”.
Multiple paramedics were called to an address at Alexandra St and Jones Street, Bundaberg East about 1am on Monday, October 13.
Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed a large piece of equipment had trapped the man, who was assessed by paramedics and found to have multiple life-threatening injuries.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said an investigation had been launched by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland into the incident and a Coroners report was being prepared.
On Monday a WHSQ spokesperson said it had been notified of the incident and investigations were underway.
“Investigators are on site and making further inquiries,” the spokesperson said.
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