FIFO worker films maggots crawling in his dinner at Fortescue Metals Group’s Iron Bridge Project

A union slammed budget cuts at a mining camp owned by Australia’s richest man as a ‘race to the bottom’ after a worker was served a maggot-ridden steak. 

A disturbing video of the meal was shot at the camp for Fortescue Metals Group’s Iron Bridge Project, founded by Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, earlier this year.

The worker was staying at the mine’s Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) camp where workers are provided with accommodation, food and recreational activities.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union claims the maggot-ridden steak is just one example of poor conditions at the site, the West Australian reported.

AMWU boss Steve McCartney alleges Fortescue is directly responsible for the steak incident as it’s cutting on costs related to worker’s wellbeing, including catering.

‘We know these blokes have been chopping back on price per day on people,’ Mr McCartney said.

‘The company always blames the contractor but we don’t blame the contractor. 

‘What we’re saying, quite clearly, is it’s the company’s responsibility to ensure food’s right.

‘We need regulation by the government to ensure… there’s a minimum set of standards that apply, otherwise it’s a race to the bottom.’

AMWU claims another area where the camp is lacking is air-conditioning with filters often left dirty – affecting how well the ACs can operate.

The Iron Bridge Project camp is based in WA’s Pilbara region, south of Port Hedland, so workers face temperatures near 40C during summer.

AMWU’s McCartney said the poor conditions could create mental health problems for distressed workers.

He said the union ‘doesn’t mind’ companies looking to reduce costs but takes issue when the result of cuts put worker’s health and safety at risk.

A Fortescue spokeswoman told the West Australian its investigation into the maggot-steak incident found the maggots were dropped on the food after it was cooked.

‘Samples of the larvae were tested, and the results found it was from a species of fly commonly known to the Pilbara region which deposits live larvae,’ she said.

‘To further improve and reduce the potential risk of insects and other pests entering the dining area, we have conducted a comprehensive assessment of all existing control measures.

‘In addition, frequent random checks of these controls are conducted daily to prevent further incidents going forward.’

Fortescue claimed the maggots were laid after the meal was served while the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union alleged the company’s budget cuts are ‘a race to the bottom’ (pictured, maggots in the worker’s steak)

She added that the camp village features air-conditioners that are ‘frequently cleaned’, a gym, football field and pools.

‘The quality of our camp sites is extremely important to us, and we are committed to providing a safe and clean environment at all times,’ she said.

The Iron Bridge Project has been plagued with problems with a series of budgeting problems resulting in several executives fleeing – including chief operating officer Greg Lilleyman and projects director Don Hyma.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Fortescue for comment.