Workplace safety investigating BMD site death attributed to heat stress

A union alleges a man was showing “signs of heat stress” before he collaposed while working for a major Queensland construction company.

NCA NEWSWIRE BRISBANE AUSTRALIA 18/09/2023 A generic photo of a CFMEU Flag outside a work site. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NcaNewsWire

A man in his 40s has died while working at a BMD Construction site near Ipswich, with the CFMEU alleging he had been showing “signs of heat stress” before he collapsed on December 5.

Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed that crews transported a man in a critical condition to Ipswich Hospital after he experienced a “medical event” at a Flinders View worksite.

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, CFMEU said that the government workplace safety regulator failed to properly investigate the death of a worker at the BMD construction site.

A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirmed they were investigating the December 5 death but were only notified of the incident “two days after it occured” on December 7.

“Once the incident was notified, WHSQ commenced an investigation and is awaiting evidence to determine if the incident was work related,” the spokesperson said.

In CFMEU’s statement Mr Ravbar accuses BMD Construction of failing to safely accommodate their workers.

“Our organisers found a terribly unsafe BMD site with no heat policy, no air conditioning in the crib room and no cool drinking water for workers,” he said.

“Queensland companies should be aware of the dangers of working on hot days, especially during the summer months where the heat and humidity poses a danger to workers.

BMD Group CEO Scott Power said “there is currently no evidence to suggest the individual’s passing is the result of a workplace incident”.

“That said, BMD, its client and the subcontractor’s employer are taking all the required and relevant steps to investigate.

“The tragic passing of the subcontractor on a site on which BMD is conducting works has received immediate and considerable attention from BMD and the other concerned parties.

“The matter was reported to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and all parties are in full cooperation in relation to any enquiries.

“Further details at this stage are unavailable out of respect to the family.”