Work sites across Victoria have been ordered to stop using dozens of cranes and conduct safety checks on others, after a WorkSafe investigation into the death of a construction worker in Melbourne last week, found that a mechanical failure contributed to the fatal accident.
A bit after midday on September 6, the Clark Cranes-owned Raimondi hammerhead tower crane dropped its large 1.5-tonne load of concrete into a pit at the Box Hill construction site where three men were working.
Shaun Burns, a 48-year-old general labourer who was working in the pit, died at the scene after being submerged in concrete. His 28-year-old co-worker from Caroline Springs was struck by the crane’s kibble and is suffering life threatening injuries and remains in a serious condition in hospital. The third man suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
According to WorkSafe’s preliminary investigation found the failure or malfunction of a key component of the crane at the end of its hoist rope, known as a wedge socket, was likely to have contributed to the man’s death.
Clark Cranes has now issued a cease work order for all 65 Raimondi cranes currently in use in the state, until a safety audit has been conducted. An independent expert would monitor the audit by Clarke Cranes to ensure it was done correctly.
Paul Fowler, WorkSafe acting executive director of Health and Safety, said the tragic incident was serious enough to warrant checks on all cranes.
“The component which we believe contributed to this incident is an integral part of the hoist rope system on most cranes,” Fowler continued.
“While there is no reason at this point to suggest this may be faulty on any other crane, a tragic incident such as the one which occurred should prompt all crane owners and operators to inspect each and every crane in the state.
“It is essential that all hoist-rope termination assemblies are inspected to ensure they are appropriately installed, compliant and functioning according to manufacturer’s specifications.
“If crane operators or owners are unsure about the safety of any crane component, they should seek specialist advice.”