Sydney Scaffolding Collapse Kills Teen Apprentice

ADVERTISEMENT

A large section of scaffolding has collapsed at a building site in Sydney killing an 18-year-old apprentice and seriously injuring another.

Apprentice Christopher Cassantiti was reported to have fallen from a height of almost eight-storeys when a large section of scaffolding suddenly collapsed at Macquarie Park worksite. The collapse occurred today (Monday 12:20pm) (ACT).

Due to the amount of debris at the scene, rescue crews sadly had difficulty reaching the apprentice. He was pronounced dead a few hours later. A 39-year-old co-worker was also severely injured in the collapse, he was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

An investigation by SafeWork NSW is now underway to ascertain why the 17-meter high scaffold collapsed.

A spokesperson for construction union CFMEU said: “Such tragedy should not occur. We will update members as more is known.”

 

SM Newsdesk
SM Newsdeskhttps://www.scaffmag.com
The staff at ScaffMag.com the leading scaffolding site for a digital generation.

Most popular ↑

New scaffolding festival announced for summer 2027

ScaffFest 2027 will bring international scaffolding championships, a trade exhibition and family entertainment to NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire next July, Scaffmag can exclusively reveal.

CISRS says CSCS licence was at risk as STA calls for consultation

CISRS says legal advice warned its CSCS licence could be revoked, as training providers call for consultation over its planned departure.

Eight firms selected for £207m scaffolding framework

Eight scaffolding contractors have been selected for EEM’s new framework, which has an estimated potential value of £207.24m across England and Wales.

Australian scaffolding group enters administration with over 650 jobs at risk

A group of companies linked to one of Australia’s...

Scottish scaffolding apprentices to compete at ScaffChamp 2026

A team of young scaffolders from Scotland and Northern...

Latest news

Construction tops insolvency table with 3,866 failures

Construction recorded 3,866 company insolvencies in England and Wales in the year to August, the highest total of any industry, despite a 2% annual fall.
- Advertisement -
More from

SAIA Education Foundation to launch scholarship programme

The SAIA Education Foundation will open scholarship applications in January 2027, offering financial support for education, training and professional development across the US scaffold and access industry.

Australia launches national review of scaffolding skills and training

A new national survey will gather evidence on how Australian scaffolders are recruited, trained and developed as the industry considers future qualifications and career pathways.

Considering a move to New Zealand? An established Auckland scaffolding business opportunity

For an experienced scaffolding operator looking to expand, acquire, or relocate, Sidewall Scaffolding offers something that normally takes years to build: an established Auckland business with equipment, customers, systems, and a platform for further growth.

Scaffolder awarded $752k after fall through skylight

An Australian court has awarded a scaffolding worker more than A$752,000 in damages after finding his former employer negligent over a fall through an unprotected skylight at a defence site in Canberra.
Latest articles