The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says the use of soft slings has been banned at the construction site of Adelaide’s $1.83 billion Desalination Plant, following the crushing fatality of a worker there.
The man was allegedly crushed after the soft sling broke while lifting a large steel beam, causing the heavy component to slip and fall on him. Another man was also injured during the accident.
The plant will have a capacity to produce 100GL a year, is scheduled to begin operating by the end of the year.
The union claims the workers had allegedly been instructed to use soft slings instead of chains to avoid scratching the beams, avoiding the need for any rework.
Police are preparing a report for the State Coroner and Safework SA is also investigating the incident.