Safety concerns are growing around Blue Scope Steel’s Port Kembla blast furnace reline project after a series of workplace incidents and alleged safety issues during the major industrial upgrade.

The project, one of the largest steelmaking investments in Australian history, involves the reline and upgrade of Blast Furnace No.6 at Port Kembla Steelworks. Blue Scope has invested around $1.15 billion in the project, which is designed to extend the life of the furnace and support the future of steel production in the Illawarra region.

The concerns follow investigations into safety practices during the reline work, including incidents involving falling objects and risks faced by workers operating in the construction area. The project has attracted increased attention following a fatal workplace accident in 2025, when a contractor working on the blast furnace reline was killed after being struck by a falling steel beam.

Workplace safety authorities and unions have raised concerns about the need for strong safety controls during complex industrial projects involving heavy machinery, cranes and large-scale construction activities.

The blast furnace reline involves replacing internal furnace components, installing new equipment and carrying out extensive engineering work in a challenging industrial environment. Thousands of tasks are completed during the project, requiring careful coordination between Blue Scope employees, contractors and safety teams.

Following previous incidents, questions have been raised about whether additional safety measures are required to protect workers involved in high-risk activities. Industry representatives have stressed that managing hazards such as lifting operations, suspended loads and heavy equipment movement must remain a priority.

Blue Scope has said safety remains a key focus of its operations and that investigations are conducted whenever incidents occur. The company has worked with relevant authorities and emergency services following workplace events at the Port Kembla site.

The blast furnace project is considered strategically important for Australian manufacturing. Blue Scope says the upgraded furnace will support ongoing steel production while improving efficiency and preparing the facility for future changes in the steel industry.

The project also plays an important role in the Illawarra economy, supporting thousands of jobs directly and indirectly through contractors, suppliers and local businesses.

However, worker safety advocates argue that major infrastructure projects must not place deadlines or production goals ahead of protecting workers. They say lessons from previous incidents must be applied to prevent further injuries and ensure safe working conditions.

The investigation into safety issues at the blast furnace reline comes as Australia’s manufacturing sector faces increasing pressure to balance economic growth, industrial investment and workplace safety.

For workers and the wider Illawarra community, the Port Kembla steelworks remains a vital part of the region’s identity and economy. Ensuring the project is completed safely will be a major priority as the blast furnace upgrade continues.