Man, 20, dies in workplace accident at new John Hunter Hospital building site

Police said the young man was trapped following a workplace accident at a construction site at the John Hunter Hospital at New Lambton Heights. He later died.

John Hunter Hospital. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

Health minister Ryan Park has offered his “deepest condolences” to the family, friends and colleagues of a young worker killed in a workplace accident on the site of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment.

SafeWork NSW and police are now investigating how the worker, 20, died after suffering critical injuries when he became trapped in part of the $800m construction site at New Lambton Heights about 9am on Wednesday.

A crime scene was immediately established and was being examined by specialist officers.

“I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the worker who tragically lost their life on the site of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment,” Mr Park said in a statement.

“This is distressing for everyone involved and support and counselling is available for workers, staff and their families during this difficult time.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has offered his condolences following the workplace death on Wednesday. File picture: Jeremy Piper

“A full investigation by NSW Police and SafeWork NSW is now underway into this incident.”

Police said emergency services were called to the worksite on Jacaranda Dr about 9am following reports a man was trapped.

“At the scene, a 20-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before he was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died,” police said in a statement.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Construction company Multiplex, which was running the site as part of a $800m expansion, released a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming the death.

“A serious incident occurred this morning at our John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct site where reinforcement fell and struck a worker. Tragically, the worker did not survive his injuries,” the statement said.

“The site has been secured and we are offering our full support to 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.”

As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.