Tributes for father who died in Brisbane workplace tragedy

Friends and family have paid tribute to a father who died after suffering a significant head injury during a workplace incident at an inner-city construction site last week.

Brendon Stevens lost his life after a workplace accident in Newstead last week. Picture: facebook

Friends and family have paid tribute to a man who died after suffering a significant head injury during a workplace incident at an inner-city construction site on Tuesday.

Brendon Stevens, a 48-year-old father, died in hospital days after suffering a life-threatening head injury at the Le Bain construction site on Wyandra St in Newstead.

He was one of two men believed to have been struck by a piece of metal piping that had fallen from machinery around noon on Tuesday.

It is understood the men were working on a drilling rig, where there may have been an issue with the hydraulic line.

Mr Stevens was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition with life-threatening head injuries. He did not recover.

The second man was struck in the chest and was also taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He was taken by ambulance in a stable condition.

Brendon Stevens lost his life after a workplace accident in Newstead. Picture: Facebook

Police at the scene after a workplace incident in Wyandra Street, Newstead. Photo: Steve Pohlner.

Friends and family described Mr Stevens as an “absolute legend” and the “best father” whose legacy would live on through his children.

The CFMEU and ETU put out a joint statement on Saturday evening stating there were “serious questions to be answered”.

“Our thoughts are with the worker’s family and workmates,” the statement said.

“There are serious questions to be answered about why workers were ordered to perform high-risk work in the rain.

“Officials from the CFMEU and the ETU were onsite immediately to ensure the scene was preserved for the investigation.

“Tragedies like this are far too common which is why union officials must be able to access worksites without delay.”

Union reps watch on where a worker is fighting for life after a workplace incident last Tuesday. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Witnesses on the day told The Courier-Mail there had been “torrential rain” when the incident occurred.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirmed earlier this week it was investigating.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland was notified of an incident that occurred today (Tuesday) at Newstead involving two workers onsite,” a spokesperson said.

“WHSQ has responded, are onsite and inspectors are making inquiries.

“As this is an active investigation no further comment can be made at this time.”

Site owner Cavcorp said on Tuesday it was “working with all parties involved in the incident and are ensuring support is provided as required”.