Separate inquiries begin after roofer dies in CIT fall

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have begun separate investigations after a man died in hospital last night following an incident during construction work at Cork Institute of Technology earlier this week.

The 58-year-old roofer from Saltmills, near New Ross, Co Wexford, was seriously injured when he fell from a ladder while working on a storage shed at the CIT Sports Grounds around 10am on Monday.

It’s understood the man fell around three metres to the ground and was conscious after the fall, which was seen by two workmates who immediately contacted the emergency services.

The injured man was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, but he lost his battle for life last night with family members by his side.

Gardaí are treating the death as a tragic incident and have begun an investigation to prepare a file for an inquest at the Cork City Coroner’s Court.

The HSA has also begun an investigation into the workplace incident and their inspectors have also visited and examined the scene.

According to the HSA, the man’s death in Cork brings to 10 the number of fatalities in the construction industry this year and is the fourth such workplace fatality in Cork this year.

CIT issued a statement in which its president, Dr Brendan Murphy, extended his sympathy and that of CIT staff and students to the man's family on their loss.