A teenage apprentice working in NSW committed suicide after his workmates set him on fire and threatened him with rape, a WorkCover investigation found.
Alec Meikle, 16, was the victim of horrendous bullying while working for state government rail contractor Downer EDI last year, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Meikle, who died on October 13, revealed much of the abuse to Bathurst Councillor Warren Aubin, who had been teaching the teenager to drive.
"It was horrible, he had stuff sprayed on him, he was set on fire a couple of times," Mr Aubin said.
"They poured liquid on him then lit it up and they would stand back and watch him put it out."
Meikle, who was also threatened with sexual assault, had been receiving WorkCover compensation for about five months.
The case has prompted a federal government review of workplace bullying focusing on apprentices and trainees.
The report did not say when the matter was investigated.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
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