AUSTRALIA POST staff have claimed they were forced to work around the body of a contractor who died at the Nambour depot early this morning.

The Courier-Mail has been told the man’s body remained at the site for hours as staff continued to work near him after his body was cordoned off at the busy depot.

It is claimed witches hats were put around the man before his body was covered.

When staff members arrived they originally could not find the contractor, who is understood to be a driver who brought mail from the Caloundra depot to the Nambour depot, but then saw him on the floor and unconscious.

A police spokesman said police were called to the depot at 3.50am and were told the man, 49, had gone into cardiac arrest.

Officers said he was found inside the truck on the loading dock, on the truck floor.

“Australia Post made staff continue to work around him while his body was still on the floor of the warehouse – they literally put money over people’s lives,” a person, who asked not to be named, said.

“The police came and that’s when they just place four witches hats around him and management told them to keep working.

“I believe Australia Post should be held to account on why dollars were more important than people’s mental wellbeing, and the deceased’s dignity.

“It’s just really disgusting the direction that was given and the lack of the respect for him and the workers”.

An Australia Post spokesman disputed the version of facts and said staff had not been “forced to work” and all proper processes were followed.

However it is understood staff continued to work at the business.

Two staff who worked in the outside area where police had set up an exclusion zone requested to relocate and others volunteered to do their duties.

It is understood the man’s body had a truck to one side, a police car on one side and a building on the other.

“We can confirm none of our employees were forced to work this morning as this very sad situation unfolded. All proper processes were followed and police were involved immediately,” an Australia Post spokesman said.

“We recognise this morning was difficult for our staff at the facility and have encouraged employees to access our free, confidential employee assistance program for support.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.