On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at approximately 3 PM, a male worker in his 30s suffered serious injuries after becoming impaled on a sheet of mesh at the Centenary Bridge construction site. According to the CFMEU Queensland, the worker fell over a trip hazard before the impalement.
The injured worker was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in stable condition. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
On Wednesday, CFMEU Queensland officials were granted access to the site to conduct their own inquiry. This access comes in the context of recent changes to union powers following a government-led takeover.
Kurt Pauls, CFMEU Queensland’s workplace health and safety coordinator, stated that the union had previously raised concerns about various safety issues at the site. These included fall hazards, contaminated drinking water, dangerous temporary fencing, and the use of unsafe imported building materials.
The union alleges that BMD, the principal contractor, has historically restricted CFMEU officials’ access to the site, including hiring security guards and seeking a Federal Court injunction to limit union presence.
The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is a project jointly funded by state and federal Labour governments. The CFMEU has called on these governments to reconsider awarding major projects to BMD, citing safety concerns.
As of Tuesday, Queensland Police reported that the incident was not a police matter at this stage, with Workplace Health and Safety continuing to investigate the circumstances of the injuries.
Published 11-September-2024
