55 Years on from the West Gate Tragedy

A time to stop and reflect on the paramount importance of safety across our industry.

The most important thing at work is making sure everybody comes home afterwards.

55 years ago, Australia witnessed the worst industrial accident in Australian history, when a collapse of a portion of the West Gate Bridge during construction resulted in the deaths of thirty-five workers.

The construction industry is fraught with physical dangers which are not present in other industries. That is why Incolink prides itself on being the safety net for the construction industry.

Today was the West Gate memorial ceremony, which happens annually in the shadows of the bridge in Melbourne’s inner west. Hundreds gathered to remember the lasting impact that this tragedy has had on the construction industry, and on the families of those who lost their lives.

“Even fifty-five years on, the tragedy at the West Gate Bridge remains in the forefront of our minds, every time we set foot on a work site,” Incolink Chief Executive Officer Erik Locke said.

“Even one incident on a work site is one too many.”

Incolink continues to honour those who lost their life in this tragedy. May they rest in peace.