Australian Canopy Crane Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker performed maintenance work alone on the jib of a tower crane whilst exposed to a fall from height of approximately 50 m without any control measures in place.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The investigation found that the crane's jib was not fitted with a fall arrest device such as a static line and the worker was not wearing a harness. The investigation revealed that the system used for working alone in a remote area was inadequate. There was no procedure to retrieve someone in a fall arrest situation even while wearing a harness. The system of communication used for alerting and responding to an emergency was inadequate. There was no way of communicating in the remote area as a land line was not available and there was no alternate means of communication adopted.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $20,000. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Owners and operators of tower cranes must ensure a static line is installed in accordance with the Australian Standards for Tower Cranes and workers wear a harness. Employers should ensure emergency procedures are in place to retrieve someone in a fall arrest situation while wearing a harness. When working remotely, obligation holders should consider the availability of a reliable communication device such as a satellite mobile in order to raise the alarm in the case of an emergency.

Visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website for more information on:

• conducting risk assessments
• developing safe operating procedures
• better managing risks when working at heights, and
• a sample of a site safety checklist for falls prevention.