Man injured in workplace fall loses fight for life

A man in his 50s has died in hospital from injuries sustained in a workplace accident on the grounds of a third-level institution in Cork earlier this week.

Gardaí and the Health & Safety Authority are now conducting separate enquiries in to the fatal accident which occurred on the Cork Institute of Technology campus (CIT) on Monday.

Billy Tubritt, 55, a roofer from Saltmills near New Ross in Co Wexford, lost his fight for life at Cork University Hospital (CUH) this morning.

The father-of-two was working with Gorey-based PJ Quinn Roofing and Cladding who were employed as sub-contractors on the development of a new machinery shed for CIT.

It is understood that he fell from a ladder at around 10am on Monday and suffered severe head injuries.

CIT’s own emergency response team were alerted and were on the scene within four minutes.

Its first responders rendered emergency medical assistance at the scene as they waited for an ambulance.

Mr Tubritt was then rushed by ambulance to CUH where he underwent emergency surgery.

He was placed on a life support machine but lost his battle for life this morning.

CIT President, Dr Brendan Murphy extended his deepest sympathy on behalf of the entire institution to the deceased man’s family and his colleagues.

“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” he said.

His death brings to 10 the number of fatalities in the construction industry this year.

[comment] By Eoin English, Irish Examiner[/comment]