Work halted at Barangaroo site after worker's death

A union representative has said the death of a Sydney construction worker at a city waterfront site could potentially have been prevented.

Work at the Barangaroo project was halted today after the tragic death of a man who was crushed by a metal beam yesterday afternoon.

"The top of his torso was crushed. Unfortunately he was dead instantly," CFMEU state secretary Brian Parker told AAP.

"The first people that got there have given that indication."

The man, who has a young family, was understood to have been working on the Barangaroo ferry hub, a state government project, for about six months.

It is believed he was killed while working on a barge in Darling Harbour.

Mr Parker said the accident could potentially have been prevented.

"Nobody should be in the vicinity of the area when heavy lifting is being carried out. He shouldn't have been there," he said.

Mr Parker told the Daily Telegraph workers had been interviewed about the tragic incident up until 11.30pm last night.

He added that after the union and management held talks it was decided there would be no work at the site today.

Officials from Safework NSW are investigating the accident.