Cranes across Perth at a standstill after operator dies falling off ladder

A crane operator has died at a work site in Perth’s south on Friday morning, with union officials saying cranes across the city would be at a standstill for the rest of the day as a mark of respect.

Paramedics and police were called to the site on Kintail Road in Applecross around 7am where they found a 62-year-old man had been fatally injured.

File photo: The crane operator died in Applecross on Friday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

It is believed the man fell from the eighth floor to the seventh floor while climbing up a crane ladder and, despite receiving CPR at the site, could not be revived.

An ICU doctor who was dining at a nearby cafe reportedly ran to help.

Witnesses at the site told Nine News they heard the impact of the man’s fall.

A statement from the CFMEU said officials were onsite to investigate and to provide support.

“It’s with extreme sadness that CFMEU acknowledge the loss of another construction worker this morning – a crane operator and ‘brother of the hook’ working on a site in Applecross,” CFMEU state secretary Mick Buchan said.

“Cranes across the city stand still today with their hooks up in recognition and respect for one of our own.”

The victim is believed to be a father and his son also operates a crane.

Buchan said union organisers and safety officers would be visiting jobs across the city on Friday to meet with workers and encourage them to take pause and think about their own safety and the safety of others.

“Our most heartfelt condolences to friends, workmates, and most of all to the family,” he said.

“I ask everyone to please be mindful, be safe, and look out for each other.”

“Every worker home safe to their families. Every day. Nothing less than that is acceptable.”

The man’s family have been notified of his death.

WA Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner and that WorkSafe would undertake their own investigation into the incident.

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