Police say the incident occurred at about 9 a.m. on Thursday on a platform on Escarpment Avenue in Cabarlah, roughly 20 km north of Toowoomba and 150 km west of Brisbane, when the two men reportedly argued and the younger worker lost his footing.
The 26‑year‑old, a resident of Crows Nest, fell from the platform and landed on a metal bar that penetrated his back and abdomen, paramedics reported. He was rushed to Toowoomba Hospital in life‑threatening condition, but was later discharged with no further injuries noted.
Queensland Police arrested the 53‑year‑old worker on Wednesday morning, charging him with one count of grievous bodily harm. He is expected to appear before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court in mid‑October.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland also conducting a separate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the workplace accident.