Worker confirmed dead after 5m fall from roof

A solar panel cleaner has died after suffering critical injuries this morning when he fell 5m through a roof at a Wynnum business.

A man has died after falling 5m through a roof at a Wynnum workplace this morning. Queensland Police confirmed the death this afternoon, which is understood to have happened in hospital, where he was taken with critical injuries this morning.

The man has been identified as a 43-year-old solar cleaning contractor.

Four ambulance crews were called to a business on Gibbs St, Wynnum just before 9am following reports of an man falling through a roof.

It is understood the man suffered extensive injuries after falling a distance of about 5m, and that his family had joined him at the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

The managing director of the company the man contracted through said they were shocked to receive the news this morning.

“We are endeavouring to contact a relative of (the worker) and we are co-operating with WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) in their investigation.

“We have no further comments right now.”

Emergency crews on scene at Wynnum workplace after a fall from a roof. Picture: Brayden Heslehurst

Brisbane Regional Unit Inspector Andrew Tracey said police were assisting Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) officers as they investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Preliminary investigations indicate the section he fell through was a fibreglass style roofing substance,” Inspector Tracey said.

Inspector Andrew Tracey from the Brisbane Regional Unit talks to media at the scene at Wynnum workplace after a worker fell from a roof. Picture: Brayden Heslehurst

“The business was operating at the time but no one else was injured.

“Obviously it’s a very traumatic experience for the workers here and they’re speaking with their management now.

Emergency crews on scene at Wynnum workplace after a fall from a roof. Picture: Brayden Heslehurst

“My understanding is staff assisted with CPR for a period of time until the ambulance arrived.

“Our involvement in the matter will be to assist (WHS) in their investigations and in the unfortunate event that it does result in a death we will report to the coroner as well.”

Emergency crews on scene at Wynnum workplace after a fall from a roof. Picture: Brayden Heslehurst

A Workplace Health and Safety spokesman confirmed earlier today investigations were underway.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating at an incident that occurred in Wynnum, where a worker was injured. As this is a current investigation, WHSQ is unable to provide further information at this time,” the spokesman said.

Emergency crews and investigators, including detectives and Workplace Health and Safety officers, remained at the site for most of the day — outside a row of Wynnum businesses, including Crawford Automotive, however it is not suggested the man worked for that business.