Sewage death

By Nicole Williams
MELBOURNE Water has launched an investigation after one of its contractors died after falling into a sewage tank at a Bangholme treatment facility last week.
The 52-year-old Endeavour Hills man was taking routine samples from the 1.5 million-litre open sewage pit when it is believed he fell in.
Crews found his work equipment at the side of a tank.
Acting Senior Sergeant Pat McGavigan said the man went out at 7.30am on Thursday 1 December to take samples and was reported missing at 9.30am.
“No-one actually saw him fall into the tank, so it was at a later time that we decided to search the tank,” Acting Sen Sgt McGavigan said.
“We had an idea of where he was but had to get to him safely.”
Melbourne Water and rescue workers pumped the sludge from the pit, and the man’s body was found at 8.30pm.
Melbourne Water managing director Shaun Cox said the company was shocked and saddened by the incident, and extended its sincere condolences to the man’s family and workmates.
“This is a very distressing time for his family and for us at Melbourne Water.
“We are offering our full support to his family, colleagues, friends and our people,” said Mr Cox.
WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said WorkSafe was still investigating the incident.
“We’ve had seven deaths in the last two weeks and they were all doing what was, for them, routine jobs,” he said.
“We would urge all businesses in the south east to stop and have a look at the potential dangers in tasks.”
Acting Sen Sgt McGavigan said it was the first time he had been at ‘anything like that’ and it was also an unusual incident for most of the emergency services.