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Port Kembla steelworks: Man aged in 50s killed in workplace accident

Police are investigating after a man, believed to be 59, died in a workplace accident at the Port Kembla Steelworks.

Emergency services are on scene at the Port Kembla steelworks. Picture: Madeline Crittenden
Emergency services are on scene at the Port Kembla steelworks. Picture: Madeline Crittenden

A man in his late-50s has died following a workplace accident at an industrial site south of Wollongong on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the steelworks at Port Kembla shortly after 2pm on Wednesday following reports a man, believed to be 59-years-old, had been crushed between a ute and machinery.

It’s understood the man worked for a commercial diving company contracted by BlueScope and had been working on a maintenance project at Berth 112 for the past few days.

In the moments prior to the tragic incident, its understood he was unloading diving equipment from the ute.

Emergency services on scene at the Port Kembla steelworks site. Picture: Madeline Crittenden
Emergency services on scene at the Port Kembla steelworks site. Picture: Madeline Crittenden

Despite the efforts of paramedics and other emergency services, the man died at the scene.

Officers from Wollongong Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident while BlueScope has temporarily suspended operations at the wharf.

On Wednesday afternoon, secretary of the South Coast Labor Council Arthur Rorris said it was both sad and concerning to see another workplace incident at the Port Kembla steelworks.

“Our deepest sympathies go to the worker and their family, he said.

“This is unfortunately a very sad reminder that the steel and heavy industries are particularly dangerous places.

“We have to double our efforts to ensure we do not have these types of tragedies.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/illawarra-star/port-kembla-steelworks-man-aged-in-50s-killed-in-workplace-accident/news-story/0238662d0c9d39ae8e186605252bf3c0