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Incident Overview
The Fair Work Commission upheld Jetstar’s dismissal of engineer Jarrod McRae after an incident in which two apprentices were left stranded on an elevated work platform inside a maintenance hangar. 7NEWS reported the decision on 23 April 2026.
The Commission found that activating the emergency stop was unauthorised and created a safety risk. Mr McRae disputed parts of the account, but his application for reinstatement and compensation was dismissed.
Workplace, Location and Time
The incident occurred in mid-2025 inside a Jetstar maintenance hangar while crews were working on a Boeing 787. The apprentices were on an elevated work platform about six metres above the floor. The exact date and time were not reported.
Worker and Incident Details
The two apprentices were carrying out maintenance beneath the aircraft’s wing when the senior engineer asked to be lowered. After he stepped off, the apprentices raised the platform to continue their work. The equipment later stopped when its emergency stop button was activated, leaving the apprentices unable to lower themselves.
Injuries or Fatality
The apprentices remained on the platform for about 10 minutes before another worker restored the system and lowered it. The source reported that one apprentice was shaken. No physical injury or fatality was reported.
Emergency and Regulator Response
Another worker entered the hangar and helped restore the system. The Fair Work Commission considered the safety-critical setting and evidence about the emergency stop. General information for people affected by a workplace injury is available from workers compensation lawyers.
Investigation or Court Update
The Commission found there was no operational or safety-related reason to activate the emergency stop, described the conduct as unauthorised “horseplay” and upheld the dismissal as a valid response. Mr McRae’s application for reinstatement and compensation was dismissed. The findings are those of the Commission in the employment case.
Sources