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.”

 

Most popular ↑

Australia steps up push for scaffolding to gain skilled-trade status

Scaffolding Association Australia has taken its campaign for formal trade recognition and a structured apprenticeship pathway to federal decision-makers in Canberra.

£4.5m scaffolding framework opens for contractors in North East and Yorkshire

Beyond Housing has opened bidding for a £4.5m scaffolding framework covering planned and reactive works across Redcar and Cleveland and parts of North Yorkshire.

Celebrity line-up confirmed for 2026 Scaffolding Excellence Awards

The final celebrity line-up has been confirmed for the...

£2m scaffolding framework opens for contractors in Midlands and Yorkshire

Arc Property Services Partnership is inviting scaffold contractors to...

London developer fined after required roof scaffold was never provided

A London developer and its director have been fined after unsafe roof work continued despite a subcontractor’s risk assessment identifying scaffolding as a required control.

Latest news

NASC calls for HSE funding boost and national scaffolding training network

The NASC has called for increased HSE funding, a nationwide network of scaffolding training providers and stronger protections for contractors as it launches its updated 2026 manifesto.
- Advertisement -
More from

Bamboo scaffolder recounts dismantling fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court

Hong Kong scaffolder Yip Hon-ying has described how a 30-strong team spent 3 months removing fire-damaged bamboo scaffold from 7 blocks at Wang Fuk Court.

SAIA names 2026 Project Award winners at Nashville convention

The Scaffold & Access Industry Association has named the winners of its 2026 Project Awards at the President’s Gala...

Australia launches national scaffolding best practice guidelines

The Scaffolding Association Australia (SAA) has launched the first version of its Australian Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding, providing...

Alimak agrees $142m deal for Canadian access specialist Pro-Bel

The Canadian manufacturer of building maintenance units, suspended platforms and fall protection systems will join Alimak Group’s Facade Access...
Latest articles