A contractor who died in a workplace incident off Western Australia’s northwest coast has been remembered as a “role model” who will leave behind a “wonderful legacy”.
Michael Jurman was killed at Woodside’s North Rankin Complex, about 135km northwest of Karratha, on Friday.
Poignant tributes have poured in following the devastating news, with rope inspection outfit Vertech Group reflecting that Jurman’s loss would be felt deeply. He had worked at the company since 2016.
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“Michael was a humble, caring, genuine guy, who brought a positive attitude to every team he was a part of,” Vertech’s managing director Tom Brennan said.
“He had a beautiful attitude to life, and he was well thought of by those around him.”
Brennan highlighted Jurman’s passion for rock climbing and caving, “which naturally led him to excel and love rope access”, and music.
“Our thoughts and support are with the team and families who have been affected by the incident,” Brennan said.
Training company All Areas Access said Jurman was a “brother, a friend, a colleague and a role model to so many of us”.
“It was a privilege to have known you and worked with you at different times for the past couple of years,” the company said in a statement.“Like so many of us in the rope access industry, you worked with more than one company and with many different people. You have given so much more than you would ever know and touched the hearts of everyone you met.
“Testament to your overwhelming effect on people is the fact that your loss has resulted in the bringing together of an entire industry, and left so many of our hearts broken.”
More took to social media to highlight Jurman as someone who “blazed out warmth, sincerity, camaraderie and kindness”.
“If there is somewhere we go after this I have no doubt Michael is in the VIP lift to the top floor,” one person shared online.
In a statement on Friday, Woodside confirmed the worker had died about midday.
All other people on the platform were safe, Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill confirmed.
‘Very sad day’.
“This is a very sad day for the extended Woodside family and I offer my deepest sympathy to our colleague’s family, friends and workmates,” O’Neill said.
“Any loss of life is heartbreaking.”
Woodside is co-operating with WA Police and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Emergency Authority.
Senior Woodside executives were also travelling to Karratha, while counselling and support services is available to employees and contractors.
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) chief executive Samantha McCulloch said the industry offered its condolences to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues.
“This is a shock and a tragedy for our industry, which prioritises workplace health and safety,” she said in a statement.
“APPEA and its membership offers its sympathies to all those impacted by this loss.”
– With AAP