Workman dies at UQ St Lucia campus

A workman died at about 7.35am today (Monday, September 16) after falling five storeys from the General Purpose South Building at St Lucia.

The workman was a subcontractor of PC Walter Contracting. He was undertaking cement rendering on the southern side of the building when he fell from a scaffold into a garden.

His co-workers rendered first aid until the arrival of Emergency Services, when he was subsequently pronounced dead.

University of Queensland Director of Occupational Health and Safety Gary Chaplin said it was the first known death on a University of Queensland construction site.

Mr Chaplin said all contractors working for the University were required to submit a safety plan for approval, and their workers were required to complete a University induction safety program. Both procedures had been followed.

The University has offered counselling to its staff and to other people at the accident site.

Investigations will be conducted by Police and the Division of Workplace Health and Safety.

Media: Further information, Jan King 0413 601 248.