A 20-year-old construction worker passed away after being crushed in a job site accident at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, Australia, according to Giselle Wakatama of ABC Newcastle.
Paramedics treated the worker before taking him to the hospital. He passed away at the hospital.
Police and CFMEU delegates closed off the site of the accident and notified SafeWork NSW that there had been a death.
The hospital is undergoing an $835 million expansion that is set to be complete by 2026.
There are more than 180 workers on the site as part of the expansion, which is being managed by global construction giant Multiplex.
“A serious incident occurred this morning at our John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct site, where reinforcement fell and struck a worker,” the company said. “Tragically, the worker did not survive his injuries. The site has been secured and we are offering our full support to the police, SafeWork NSW and the workforce. We will continue to work with the relevant authorities to carry out a full investigation. Our sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to the worker’s family and co-workers.”
Health Infrastructure, the state government body overseeing the development, has expressed its “deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues” of the young man.
“Health Infrastructure and principal building contractor Multiplex are supporting workers, staff and their families at this difficult time, including through on-site and telehealth counseling services,” a spokesperson said.
Health Minister Ryan Park, who gave an update on work at the hospital site this week, also offered his “deepest condolences.”
“This is distressing for everyone involved, and support and counseling is available for workers, staff and their families during this difficult time,” Park said.
The site remains closed and a SafeWork NSW investigation is underway.
ABC Newcastle has also sought comment from the CFMEU.