A man has died in hospital after a pipe exploded at the IMAX Theatre construction site at Sydney's Darling Harbour and hit him in the head.

Police and emergency services were called to the area around 10am after reports of an injury.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said the 49-year-old man had "very significant injuries to his face and head".

They said the man was working with high pressure water pipes before one burst.

The man was treated at the scene, including for lacerations to his eye, before being taken to St Vincent's Hospital.

However, he died from his injuries.

A crime scene was established and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The IMAX theatre, which was beneath the Western Distributor, was torn down in 2016 as part of a $700 million redevelopment.

It was, at the time, the biggest cinema screen in the world.

A SafeWork NSW spokesperson said it had been notified of the death.

"SafeWork NSW is onsite in Darling Harbour after reports of a fatal incident involving a construction worker," they said in a statement.

"Investigations are ongoing."

The development, named "The Ribbon", is being built by construction company Grocon.

In a statement, it said: "Grocon extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

"Workers on The Ribbon site have been provided with access to counselling services."

The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) criticised the company for not doing enough to keep workers safe.

"The union has been alerted to a range of issues throughout the life of the Ribbon site at Darling Harbour and today a worker has been killed," a spokesperson said.



