Just weeks after a Federal Court judge criticised two Victorian CFMEU officials for deliberately placing themselves in dangerous positions and being “arrogant and dismissive” of warnings that were given by site staff a CFMEU safety officer has deliberately placed himself in danger in order to take photos of a builder’s site.

Last Thursday, CFMEU safety officer Alex Tadic attended a Brunswick construction site with three other union officials. Only one of the officials was granted entry to the site, having provided his entry permits and notice of suspected contravention. The others remained outside.

Determined to find a safety infraction, Tadic committed one himself, ignoring safety procedures and climbing on top of the traffic management barriers to peer over the fence and take photos of the site (see image above, right).

When challenged by a worker about his actions, Tadic unleashed abuse at the worker and, puzzlingly, barked “Where is the sign that says I cannot be up here?”

One can easily imagine what the CFMEU would have done if roles had been reversed.

They would have looked to make an example of the builder and their poor safety reputation. They would also be challenging WorkSafe to take action.

The CFMEU’s consistent track record of unlawful action to achieve their industrial goals only undermines their claims of acting in the name of safety. Deliberate and irresponsible behaviour by one of the CFMEU’s supposed safety experts does nothing to advance safety in the industry.

Members who are concerned about the CFMEU targeting their worksites by misusing safety are reminded that they can call on the OHS unit for advice and audits on (03) 9411 4555.