Pat Preston

Pat is well known throughout Victoria’s construction industry as the Manager of the CFMEU’s OHS & Environmental Unit, and is widely respected for his passion, untiring work and achievements in the cause of construction safety.

But back in 1970, he was a 29-year-old crane operator and Federated Engine Drivers’ & Firemans’ Association (FEDFA) shop steward – one of many workers on what was then Melbourne’s largest and most prestigious construction project – the West Gate Bridge.Pat was a couple of metres from the hoist cage when the bridge fell.

You can view a pdf file of Pat Preston’s West Gate experiences here.

Pat has also provided an image gallery containing many photographs of the bridge construction.