Max Haywood was more than just a worker on the water. He was a loving husband, a father, a family man, and a cherished friend to many. On the harbour and in life, Max led with steady hands and a generous smile – he truly was the best of us. He was the kind of person who showed up early, stayed late, and cared deeply about those around him.
On the 27th of January 2021, Max was killed in a preventable workplace inicident. He died in the same way he lived – doing his job, trusting those responsible for his safety, and believing in a fair day’s work. That trust was betrayed.
A yacht mast, during an improperly handled salvage, dislodged and struck Max in the head. The court later confirmed what his family feared: that his death was preventable. The company responsible had failed to put basic safety measures in place. They hadn’t paid their staff properly. They hadn’t protected them. They hadn’t cared enough – until it was far too late.
In the years since Max’s death, the now guilty, convicted and sentenced company and its guilty, convicted and sentenced director continued seeking and working on government and private contracts. Restructured and operating under new business names, but with the same director, same address, same office, same yard, and same equipment – a pattern strongly indicative of phoenix activity, no genuine reform or accountability has been demonstrated.
On 27 January 2021, Channel 7 reported the tragic death of 59-year-old Max Haywood, fatally struck by a yacht mast during a salvage operation in Rozelle Bay. The mast detached while being lifted by crane. Emergency services responded, but Max died at the scene. This report captures the immediate aftermath and raised early concerns about workplace safety and accountability.
Aired on 7NEWS Sydney on the day of the incident.
Channel 7’s Leonie Ryan reports on the sentencing of a business owner fined over $1 million after the 2021 workplace death of Max Haywood. The court found serious safety failures led to the incident at Rozelle Bay. Despite the conviction, the business continued under new names.
Aired on 7NEWS Sydney on the day of sentencing.
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