Adrian Heber, 33, was killed onsite at steel fabrication company SJ and TA Structural in Kane Road about 7am Thursday.

A Victoria Police spokesman said it was believed Mr Heber was “crushed between two steel staircases”.

The Border Mail understands he and a colleague were using a crane to stack steel when the accident occurred.

WorkSafe is continuing to investigate.

Tributes have since flowed on Facebook for Mr Heber, a father of four young children.

His brother, Brad Heber, told friends and family “he couldn’t find words”.

“I guess there is only one thing I can say, and that's goodbye my brother, I love you and will miss you,” he said in a Facebook post.

“I have so many good memories that will keep you with me forever.

“I'm sorry we didn't talk as much as we should of, but that was just us, I love you.”

Another post described Mr Heber as a “gentle person”.

“He was a person who wouldn't hurt anyone, he was a battler that was struggling but I think finally getting there,” wrote Murray Parkinson.

“It's so sad for the kids, growing up without a dad.

“I hope all the relatives rally around Chantelle and the kids and show her a lot of support, not just now, but into the future as well.”

Wodonga Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said Mr Heber’s colleagues at SJ and TA Structural had all been left “devastated” by the incident.

A police chaplain offered support to staff members.

Mr Heber was interviewed by The Border Mail in 2011 as a trolley collected, calling for better pay from the Australian Supermarket Cleaning Contractors.

Mr Heber had spoken about financial stresses after being put out of work – paying for his mother’s funeral and raising 11-month-old twins.

He was employed at a Wodonga meat-rendering plant prior to working in Lavington in 2011.

Mr Heber has been remembered as a well-known person and condolences for family continue to be shared.