Remembered for big heart

By Lia Bichel
A FAMILY has remembered a loving son, father and brother who died in a Dandenong factory last week.
Cranbourne man Brian David Gaskin, 51, will be farewelled at a service today (29 July) at the Bunurong Memorial park, Dandenong at 3.30pm.
Police and WorkSafe are investigating the circumstances around Mr Gaskin’s death, but it is believed he died after the four wheel drive he was repairing dropped from a ramp and rolled back onto him just before 5pm on 22 July.
It occurred at a workshop in Handley Crescent.
Police said Mr Gaskin was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.
Mr Gaskin’s father David said his son, a fitter and turner by trade, was a fun, easy-going man with a big heart and always willing to help.
He had a love of wheels and he tried everything, David Gaskin said.
Mr Gaskin loved bowling, go-karting, taekwondo, and he watched Twenty20 cricket and Formula One.
Once a trolley pusher, his kind heart and hard-working nature led him to develop his own trolley company, Salobrie, contracted to Arrow.
The company employs many young people, some with intellectual disabilities, and is popular with many large shopping centres in and around Melbourne.
“We are very proud of what he has done, how he has looked after his family, and how he was always looking to the future,” David Gaskin said.
“His passing has left a very large hole.”
Mr Gaskin is survived by his parents David and Patricia, brother Jimmy, sister Hazel, wife Jocelyne, children Michael, Jason, Jenny, daughter-in-law Sam, and grandchildren Rhianna and Mitchell.
A WorkSafe spokesperson said Mr Gaskin’s death was the 14th workplace fatality this year.
Manufacturing and logistics director Ross Pilkington urged workers to take the proper precautions to stay safe while working under a suspended vehicle.
“If you’re using a lifting device, make sure it’s suited to the work you’re trying to perform,” he said.
“Always put backup measures in place so that if something goes wrong, you’ll be safe.
“For example, if you’re using a jack to raise a vehicle, put a vehicle stand in place as a back-up. Where possible, always use chocks to prevent wheels rolling or moving.
“Finally, remember to regularly inspect equipment and make sure the safe working load is clearly displayed.”
WorkSafe has a range of publications including ‘Automotive Workshop Safety’ which are available online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or by calling WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.