Austraform

Incident description:

Many workers were placed at immediate risk of serious injury or death when at incident occurred during the construction of a multi-level shopping centre. The second and third levels had been completed and the fourth level was two-thirds complete. Approximately two hours after the workers began pouring the concrete for the last third of the fourth level, a loud crack was heard and the slab and formwork deck for level four dropped approximately 100 mm. The level three slab then collapsed with the weight of the slab from level four. Approximately 22 workers were in the area at the time, but all escaped injury.

Investigation findings:

The investigation found that the level three slab was not supported. It should have been supported with back-propping when the formwork system was removed. The documentation for the project was deficient as it lacked specific requirements for back-propping.

Considerations for prevention:

After the incident, an independent engineer was appointed and the area was re-designed and appropriate documentation provided and procedures implemented.

Obligation holders should consider the requirements of section 27A of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 which outlines obligations relating to risk management. They should also consider the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety – Formwork Advisory Standard and the Australian Standard AS 3610- Formwork for Concrete section (a) unsupported concrete floors subject to load ; and (b) the system of work for the erection of concrete formwork by the provision of adequate formwork documentation and procedures for back-propping.

Court result:

Austraform was found guilty and fined $10,000 with no conviction recorded. Complaints were also made against two other obligation holders – Hutchinson Builders Pty Ltd and Whybird & Partners Pty Ltd.

• Formwork Code of Practice 2006
• Preparation of the site