A 16-year-old boy has died in a workplace incident at a business at an industrial suburb in Perth’s south-east after suffering what are believed to be crush injuries.
A spokesperson for WorkSafe said the teenage worker died after he was injured at the TLC Surface Treatment factory on Railway Parade in Welshpool.
St John Ambulance was called to the scene just before 8am Thursday morning, with multiple crews in attendance.
A WA Police spokesperson said the boy was taken straight to hospital after suffering “critical injuries”.
“Sadly he died a short time later,” the spokesperson said.
It is understood the boy suffered crush injuries, however investigations are still in their early stages.
WorkSafe investigators were on site on Wednesday and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
TLC Surface Treatment specialises in industrial spray painting and sandblasting to protect equipment from rust, according to its website.
Teenager crushed while treating steel
Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) assistant state secretary Glenn McLaren said the boy was an employee of TLC Surface Treatment, although it was unclear whether he was a trainee or apprentice.
“From what we understand, he was performing some work in relation to the prior treatment of some steel products and has somehow become crushed in that and tragically lost his life,” Mr McLaren said
“Any workplace death is a tragedy but this one more so.
“In my experience, in my 25 years as a union official, I’ve never dealt with someone so young losing their life in a workplace.
“This is the youngest workplace fatality that I’m aware of.”
Source: ABC News
