Young tradie denied workers' compensation after near-fatal skylight fall in Perth

 A young Perth tradie critically injured in a workplace accident has been denied workers' compensation over a technicality that could impact thousands of Australian workers.

Anthony Bell, 33, was just minutes into a patio installation job at a home in Two Rocks, north of Perth, when he fell 3.5 meters through a painted-over skylight on February 3. He suffered brain bleeding and 19 broken bones and was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Mr Bell's compensation claim was denied because he was classified as a contractor—not a legal employee—under current legislation.

Now, the father of one and his partner, Klara Kitchen, 27, are facing financial devastation. The couple has exhausted their savings and borrowed money from family to stay afloat while challenging the decision in court.

The fall left Mr Bell temporarily unable to work, requiring shoulder surgery involving a bone graft from his hip. Due to weight restrictions post-surgery, he still cannot lift his one-year-old daughter, Maicy.

Mr Bell, who previously worked fly-in-fly-out mining jobs, had returned to patio installation to be closer to family. However, his injuries may prevent him from ever resuming physical work again.

A GoFundMe campaign launched this week has raised over $4,000 toward an $11,000 goal to help cover medical and legal expenses. The couple, reluctant to seek help, says the support has been overwhelming.

Their story highlights a critical gap in Australia’s worker protection laws—one that every tradie and contractor should be aware of.