NB Hayward Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A worker suffered two broken legs, a puncture wound to his right calf, and nerve damage to his right leg when he and a co-worker were using an overhead gantry crane controlled from a hand pendant to move steel around the workplace. The worker was injured when chains engaged around a steel 'H' beam were released by activating the crane pendant control to withdraw and lift the chains up out of the way. Hooks on the chains caught the edge of the two tonne beam causing it to fall, pinning the worker's legs against the beam behind him.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The defendant failed to provide written information, instruction or training to the injured worker or other workers in relation to the use of the overhead gantry crane or the movement and placement of steel beams and the release of the lifting chains whilst using the crane. The defendant had not conducted a documented risk assessment, or implemented a system of work for the operation of the overhead gantry crane. However, it was in the process of doing this at the time of the incident.

Court result:

The defendant was found guilty and fined $11,000. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Employers should ensure safe operating procedures are used when operating overhead gantry cranes. Workers should be provided with information, instruction and training on the safe operating procedures when operating such equipment. Employers should consider crane operator licensing requirements and workers competence in the operation of the cranes.

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

• crane and hoist licensing requirements
• managing the risk from plant designed to move objects
• training staff to manage risks associated with workplace hazards
• conducting risk assessments, and
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them.