Update on mobile crane incident


Released 24/02/2019

WorkSafe ACT can advise that the up turned crane in Hume has been safely righted following a carefully planned operation on Friday evening (22 February) and into Saturday morning (23 February).

Inspectors worked in partnership with engineering and crane experts as well as ACT Fire & Rescue to ensure the delicate operation was conducted safely.

The large mobile crane had tipped up during maintenance activity on Friday and rolled on its end.

The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

Workers who were at the site at the time of the incident have been offered incident trauma counselling noting the significance of the incident and the close proximity of some workers to the crane when it tipped up.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said it was very fortunate that no workers were injured in the incident.

“This was a large crane that essentially tipped on its end with the boom landing very close to workers,” he said. “The consequences of this could have been fatal.”

In an unrelated incident in Gungahlin on Sunday, a counter weight that was being removed from a large mobile crane dislodged and fell damaging a small truck parked in the vicinity. The truck, a work vehicle on the same construction site, was unoccupied at the time and no-one was injured.

WorkSafe ACT are currently also investigating this incident to determine the cause.

Mr Jones said he was concerned that this was the second crane safety incident in as many days.

“I strongly remind all employers and workers to ensure they carefully plan all operations, especially those involving high risk activities such as cranes or plant equipment,” he said.

“Safe Work Method Statements must cover all risks with appropriate mitigation strategies and it is critical that all workers are fully inducted into their Safe Work Method Statements.”

- Statement ends -

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Emily Springett

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emily.springett@act.gov.au


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