WorkSafe investigators have reassembled the roof that partially collapsed at Curtin University to try to determine what caused the structure to fail in October.
The incident sadly led to the death of a 23-year-old worker and the serious injury of a 26-year-old worker in October.
The reassembled roof is being examined by a recently expanded WorkSafe investigations team at a site in Welshpool, in an effort to discover the cause of the incident and to try to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston visited the Welshpool site today to see how the recently expanded WorkSafe investigations team is using new skills to try to solve the cause of workplace accidents.
The team is part of the McGowan Government’s $12.9 million investment in 21 new inspector/investigator positions. The team has grown with new skills such as bringing in family support.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
“The Curtin University accident was a terrible event, and I hope that the reassembling of this roof will help investigators find the cause of the roof’s failure and provide much-needed answers.
“The McGowan Government has invested significantly to improve WorkSafe’s investigative capabilities, which has meant new skills have been added to the investigations team.
“We expect the expanded and improved investigative team will bring a higher value of service and help improve workplace safety and health practices throughout WA.
“WorkSafe’s thorough investigations of serious workplace injuries and deaths aims to prevent future incidents of a similar nature happening in the future.
“I want to assure the families and friends of workplace victims of this Government’s commitment to the highest standards possible for workplace investigations.”
