Kevin Thomas Hodge

Incident description:

A worker sustained fatal head injuries after being struck by the load he attached to his crane. The crane was being used in the demolition of a chapel. The operator attached one of the annexes of the chapel to the crane. He exited the crane standing close to the load while others attempted to detach the annex from the main structure. Without warning the load broke away, flipped and struck the crane operator and the chapel owner. The crane operator sustained fatal injuries. The chapel owner received minor injuries.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The investigation revealed that the defendant did not hold a certificate to perform the prescribed activity of demolition work. The defendant failed to maintain an exclusion zone with respect to a load being lifted by the crane. The defendant did not ensure the crane operator remained in his cabin whilst a load was under his control. The positioning of the lifting attachments at the base of the load also contributed to the load becoming unstable.

Court result:

The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined $75,000. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Obligation holders dismantling buildings must ensure the work is completed by a demolisher holding a certificate to perform the prescribed activity of demolition work. Work method statements should be completed prior to work commencing and all staff should be aware of pedestrian exclusion zones and the risks involved with working near moving plant.

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

• managing the risk from plant designed to move objects
• work method statement and which work activities require them, and
• licensing requirements for demolition work.