Building firms to pay for dead backpacker's family to fly to Sydney - Sydney Morning Herald

A labour hire firm and the construction company that employed a Canadian backpacker who died on a Sydney building site will pay for his family to be flown to Australia.

The family of Matthew Lopez-Linares, 22, will arrive in Sydney on Saturday, a week after their son died when hit on the head by a steel pole at a Camperdown construction site.

A One Stop Work Force labour hire company spokesman told Fairfax Media they have contributed to the cost of flying the family to Australia.

"On behalf of the company we are truly sorry for the family. Due to the investigation, we really can't make any further comment," a spokesman said.

It is understood the costs will also cover to take Lopez-Linares' body back to Canada where a funeral will be held.

A number of local residents contacted Fairfax Media outlining a number of complaints about the site.

Newtown police along with WorkCover are investigating the circumstances around the young man's death at a Ceerose construction company building site on Australia Street in Camperdown on Saturday.

Emergency services attended the old Nurses Union building 11.45am after reports a man had suffered head and chest injuries after being hit by a number of metal beams.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union NSW secretary Brian Parker said it angered him that a worker had died despite recent attempts to improve safety at the site.

"We are speaking to all parties involved and seeking all the relevant documents and that procedures were in place," he said.

Mr Parker said he believed the builders were digging at the bottom of the building and one of the slabs collapsed.

Ceerose director Edward Doueihi said they are also contributing to the family's travel costs but dismissed safety concerns raised by the union.

A spokeswoman from the Canadian High Commission said they have been in contact with the Lopez-Linares family.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a Canadian citizen who passed away in Sydney.

"Canadian consular officials in Sydney are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information and consular assistance is being provided to the family," she said.