A shocking incident has emerged from the construction site of Brisbane, involving a construction worker and a possum. On February 16, 2026, a video surfaced on TikTok, showing a concrete pourer deliberately shaking a ringtail possum off a 30-meter boom pump. The worker, operating the boom pump for Arete Concrete, was captured shaking the possum, which was clinging to the boom, causing it to fall to the ground. The footage, posted by a nearby worker, reveals the possum's desperate attempts to hold on, eventually falling and appearing to convulse on the cement surface. This incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the worker's actions and the company's response. The poster, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed their disbelief, stating that the workers laughed and did it on purpose. The RSPCA has been alerted, and the Queensland Police Service is investigating. Arete Concrete's managing director, Steve Murdoch, issued a statement, condemning the actions as wrong and in violation of their employee expectations. He confirmed that a formal counseling and warning were given to the boom operator, and all staff have been briefed on wildlife procedures, including the importance of stopping work if wildlife is present. The possum, thankfully, survived the fall and was able to escape the worksite, though this has not been independently verified. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare in construction sites and the need for strict protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
