Steel fabricator commits to $168,900 undertaking after crane incident

The Geelong Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday 4 June that the company had entered into the undertaking while facing charges over unlicensed high-risk work, unsafe systems of work, failure to notify WorkSafe of an incident and failure to preserve an incident site.

The incident occurred in August 2022, when a worker was directed to use two overhead gantry cranes to lift and rotate a 30-tonne steel frame through 180 degrees so fabrication could continue from another angle. The cranes were not synchronised.

During the lift, the frame overbalanced and fell, striking a workplace wall and damaging the cranes. The worker had not carried out the task before and did not hold the required rigging licence.

The company had no documented procedure, drawings or written plans for the lift. WorkSafe alleges it was reasonably practicable to ensure workers held appropriate licences, have documented plans and procedures for the work, notify WorkSafe after the incident and preserve the scene until inspectors arrived.

WorkSafe may reinstate the charges if the undertaking is breached or withdrawn.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said the incident could have ended tragically. "Workers must be properly trained and licensed for the work they are asked to do and employers must have safe systems of work in place, including written plans and procedures for how to do a job safely," Mr Jenkin said.

"It is pleasing to see that this company has since agreed to commit to important safety improvements in its own workplace, as well as supporting students and others in the industry to operate safely."

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