Falling debris misses hospital workers

The debris was part of an old hospital building, which a subcontractor working on the project was in the process of demolishing during construction of the new Bendigo hospital on August 12.

A WorkSafe Victoria spokesman confirmed inspectors were investigating the incident.

"WorkSafe attended the site to make inquiries in relation to an incident which occurred during demolition,” he said.

"Inquiries are continuing." 

It is believed WorkSafe inspectors have visited the site a number of times since the incident and demolition work in the affected area is expected to resume soon.

Lead contractor Lendlease said the incident had involved a subcontractor and that some demolition activities had since resumed.

“Safety is Lendlease's number one priority and we are committed to providing safe conditions for all people in our workplaces,” a spokeswoman said.

A spokesman for Bendigo Health confirmed the staff members were in the office at the time, but were uninjured and able to return to work by the following Monday.

“Bendigo Health OH&S representatives attended immediately, supporting the staff as required,” he said.

“Our buildings and infrastructure staff worked with Lendlease and WorkSafe to ensure the office was safe for clean-up, which occurred prior to Bendigo Health staff returning to work the following Monday.

“As demolition continues, Bendigo Health and Lendlease continue to work closely to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.”

Exemplar Health the consortium that was engaged by the Victorian government to design, build, finance and maintain the Bendigo Hospital Project, was contacted for comment but referred questions to Lendlease, as did the Health Department.

The subcontractor believed to be working on the project also declined to comment.

Work on the $630 million facility is continuing with the new building expected to open its doors on January 30, 2017.

The hospital is due to be fully operational by that date, with all patients on site.

The second stage of construction, a 1350-space car park is on track to be completed by mid-2018.

The hospital is the largest infrastructure project currently under way in Victoria.

When finished it will include 372 inpatients beds, 72 same-day beds, 10 operating theatres, a regional cancer centre, an 80-bed integrated mental health facility, a mother and baby unit, and a helipad.