Work has ground to a halt on Brisbane‘s Cross River Rail project as investigations continue into how a man fell up to 10 metres from scaffolding yesterday.
The 54-year-old worker remains in a critical condition in Princess Alexandra Hospital after falling onto a concrete surface at the Boggo Road station site in the city’s south about 1.15pm, striking several obstacles on the way down.
9News understands the man was not wearing a harness.
All work at the site has been stopped while a Workplace Health and Safety investigation is underway.
“It is not clear to me at this point whether a harness was required or whether there were safe workplaces within scaffolding that needed to be adhered to,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey told media this afternoon.
He said he would be working with the contractors, union representatives and workers to ensure adequate safety practices were in place.
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority said it is cooperating with the investigation.
It said safety checks were being conducted across all the project’s sites and support is being offered to staff.
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“Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the worker, his loved ones and his colleagues,” the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority said in a statement.
“This is a very sad incident, and its impact is being felt right across the project today.
“Safety is Cross River Rail’s top priority, and we expect our contractors to uphold the highest possible standards.
“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating the incident, and we expect our on-site contractors to cooperate fully with the safety regulator.
“The Delivery Authority, of course, will also assist in any way we can with the investigation.”
Cross River Rail is a new 10km rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills in the city.
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