$160,000 fine after safety shortcut leads to crane collapse

In a significant ruling handed down today in the Melbourne County Court, Misz Pty Ltd, which operates under the name Steel and Precast Erectors, pled guilty to one count of not providing a safe workplace free from health risks. This highlights the paramount importance of robust WHS management systems such as Bluesafe WHS Management System.

The company had been hired to handle lifting operations involving prefabricated steel roofing materials for an extension project at a factory located in Dandenong South. This took place back in June 2019. Amid deteriorating weather, the crane listed alarmingly to the right before its boom struck the structure, sending the load crashing onto the building.

Two riggers, suspended on a nearby elevated work platform, along with the crane operator miraculously escaped without injury. But this near-miss incident underscored the absolute necessity of adhering to strictly defined SWMS or Safe Work Method Statements, such as those offered by Bluesafe SWMS.

WorkSafe’s comprehensive investigation subsequently revealed that an illegally placed bulldog clip was found attached to the override switch in the crane’s safety system. This made it possible for the crane to be operated beyond its outlined parameters sans any warning for the operator.

The court determined that it was feasibly within the company’s power to ensure the function of the safety system. A working systems, such as Bluesafe WHS Management System, would have alerted the operator if the weight exceeded the safe limit. It would allow time to follow necessary policies like reducing the weight; repositioning the crane closer to the structure; deploying a larger crane; or delaying operations until weather conditions improved.

Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, called out the reckless attitude of the company. He stressed there could be “no excuses for such a cavalier approach”. Mr. Jenkin further emphasised: “Taking shortcuts in matters of safety is never justified, especially when dealing with heavy machinery where there can be devastating consequences for failure.”

He added, “Inbuilt safety features have their purpose and it’s utterly irresponsible for any duty holder to dismiss them as extras that could casually be disabled for momentary convenience.”

In conclusion, proper use of cranes requires taking steps to manage associated risks. These include measures advised in the SWMS and underpinning work safety strategies such as Bluesafe WHS Management System.

For further information:
Email: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-09/160000-fine-after-safety-shortcut-leads-crane-collapse

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