Taken to Task

Two workers have been injured at a site controlled by a company previously at the centre of union-busting Building Industry Taskforce actions.

The men, aged 63 and 21, were struck by scaffolding which fell from a crane while working at a MPM Construction Innovation site on the NSW Central Coast.

The younger worker was taken to hospital for serious head injuries.

CFMEU organiser Pom Auimatagi said the accident came as little surprise given the company's record on safety.

"What is most appalling about this accident is that the Howard Government's Building Industry Taskforce has defended this company's safety record and attempted to revoke the right of entry of CFMEU officials who investigated workers concerns of serious breaches," Auimatagi said.

The Building Industry Taskforce unsuccessfully tried to revoke an official's right of entry in August based on claims about a Sydney MPM Construction site.

"The Howard Government needs to stop spending money defending dubious employers who cut corners with safety and start working with unions and workers to halt the occurrence of serious accidents and deaths that are plaguing our industry," Auimatagi said.

The CFMEU has issued a number of rectification notices to MPM following a safety audit of the site.

WorkCover and unions continue to investigate the incident.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:36 EST