Article 5: Falling Slab Kills Grandpa

Herald Sun Newspaper
Anthony Dowsley
March 09, 2006 12:00am

This article explains how a construction worker was crushed by a per-fabricated concrete slab, because the bars holding the slab in place where unlocked.
We need to take this article very seriously, particularly Construction Managers, because a simple mistake like this can seriously injure or kill someone, if we dont take these small things into concideration.

HORRIFIED building workers watched yesterday as a grandfather of four just months away from retirement was crushed and killed by a concrete slab.
Christos Binos, 58, of Reservoir, died instantly when a 14-tonne pre-fabricated slab fell on him at a Pakenham construction site.
Two workmates escaped from under the slab, which had been about six metres off the ground, when it crashed down in the Hogan Court lot about 10.50am yesterday.
A family member said Mr Binos was a devoted family man with three children and four grandchildren who had intended to retire next November and move to the beach.
"He was a hard worker, a lovely family man," his goddaughter, who did not want to be named, said.
"He would do anything for anybody. Not once would he say no to anybody.
"He'll be badly missed. It's very difficult for the family."
Mr Binos had been employed by Mascitti Concrete for eight years. His boss, Robert Mascitti, said Mr
Binos had never missed a day.
"He was a good bloke, a hard worker," Mr Mascitti said. "He was liked by his mates. He always rolled up on time."
WorkSafe and Victoria Police are investigating.
It is believed the accident happened when bars holding the slab in place were unlocked.
Two men scrambled to safety but Mr Binos could not get out of the way.
WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said it was the first construction site death in 14 months -- a record for the industry.
"There has been a major effort by WorkSafe, unions and employers to drag this (fatality) figure down,"
he said.
"But the so-called near misses are happening all the time . . . One man died, but it could have easily been three."