Man rushed to hospital after workplace crush accident in Surfers Paradise

A LOCAL construction worker has been taken to hospital after being crushed at a billion-dollar Gold Coast work site this morning.

A MAN has managed to escape with his life after a horrific accident in an elevator shaft at a worksite in Surfers Paradise.

A man in his 20s was working in the lift well just before midday at the billion-dollar Jewel towers development site on Old Burleigh Road when he was crushed.

The man was injured while working at the Jewel project in Surfers Paradise.

Queensland Ambulance Services Gold Coast operations supervisor Stuart Cutajar said the man’s injuries were significant.

“It’s transpired where the lift had moved and that the male person sustained injuries to his chest, back and abdomen as a result,” he said.

“My understanding he was working in the lift shaft and performing duties there and working underneath the lift, and one has moved during the process, causing him to be pulled into some other equipment.”

New pictures of the Jewel project at Surfers Paradise

When paramedics arrived on scene, the man was conscious and alert.

“On this occasion the patient was out of the lift well upon arrival of paramedics, so there wasn’t anybody trapped or off the ground which would have made the situation difficult.”

He was transported to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition with a critical care paramedic on board for treatment.

“At this stage we’re waiting on further advice from the hospital. His condition remains serious, but stable.”

The site has been shut down while Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigate.

“Work was stopped, until the investigation takes place, we will re-evaluate tomorrow,” a CFMEU Gold Coast official said.

“The construction industry is a dangerous industry, and this is a timely reminder for everyone to be aware of their surroundings, and take the time to be aware of it.

“Construction changes from minute to minute, and we’re extremely lucky we’re not talking about a fatality.”

A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokesperson said inspectors are on site.

“There’s no time on a process like this, we’re looking into what happened, how it happened, the extent of the man’s injuries etc.

“We respond to all kinds of workplace incidents, but this one is not a daily occurrence.”