Worker walks away after 4.3-metre fall into pipe at Port Kembla
A 23-year-old contractor fell 4.3 metres into a pipe at BlueScope's Port Kembla facility but was safely rescued.
A contractor fell 4.3 metres into an inclined pipe at BlueScope's Port Kembla blast furnace on Thursday morning. The 23-year-old was constructing scaffolding at the waste gas heat recovery plant when the fall occurred at 12:45 am.
The 23-year-old remained conscious and responsive throughout the incident. Rescue teams quickly installed a ladder in the pipe and safely assisted him to climb out.
He was then placed in a crane basket and lowered to the ground. The worker walked to an ambulance stretcher and was transported to Wollongong Hospital.
BlueScope said the work area was frozen and SafeWork was notified while an investigation is underway.
- 23 years old
- Age of worker
- 4.3 metres
- Fall distance
- 12:45 am Thursday
- Incident time
- BlueScope Port Kembla No6 blast furnace
- Location
Why it mattersIndustrial falls can be fatal, and swift rescue protocols prevented this worker from serious injury.
AustraliaThe incident highlights workplace safety practices at one of NSW's major steel producers.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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