Family of Finnish construction worker killed in Brisbane scaffolding accident demand answers

‘Nobody should go to work and never come back.’

Laura Dymock and Katharina Loesche
7NEWS
He came to Queensland for an adventure but went to work and didn't come home. Loved ones are mourning a young tradie, who was so worried about scaffolding on site, he took a photo. The same day, he fell to his death.

A young tradie who came to Australia for a better life has died after a fall at a construction site, leaving his family searching for answers.

Miikael “Mikey” Varuhin, 32, a Finnish construction worker, fell about four metres through scaffolding at a Clayfield development in Brisbane, Queensland, on Easter Monday, suffering a catastrophic brain injury.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Young tradie killed in tragic scaffolding fall

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He had moved to Brisbane seven years ago and made the city his home.

“He made Brisbane his home and he wanted to build his life here and eventually have a family,” his sister Anniina told 7NEWS.

“They told me initially he had a devastating brain injury and he had fallen off scaffolding,” she said.

Varuhin was declared brain dead later that night.

His family flew to Australia to say goodbye, as the 32-year-old’s final act saw him donate his organs, potentially saving up to five lives.

The 32-year-old died after falling about four metres through scaffolding at a Brisbane worksite on Easter Monday
The 32-year-old died after falling about four metres through scaffolding at a Brisbane worksite on Easter Monday Credit: 7NEWS
Miikael Varuhin’s sister Anniina says the family is still searching for answers after his death.
Miikael Varuhin’s sister Anniina says the family is still searching for answers after his death. Credit: 7NEWS

“He was the kind of person, he always wanted to help others,” his sister said.

His death is now under investigation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

7NEWS understands Varuhin had raised concerns about the scaffolding on site on the day he fell and had sent a photo from his phone.

“This is an injustice what happened no one should go to work and never come back,” Anniina said.


Miikael “Mikey” Varuhin had made Brisbane home after moving from Finland seven years ago.
Miikael “Mikey” Varuhin had made Brisbane home after moving from Finland seven years ago. Credit: 7NEWS

Lawyer Scott Keft from Maurice Blackburn said the family could face a long wait for answers.

“It is a very tragic situation where a young man has lost his life during the course of his work,” he said.

“Where a person dies without having a spouse or partner or children, the compensation available is quite limited.”

The builder declined to respond to a request for comment.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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