1 minute read
Noosaville, Queensland
July 2019 Noosaville, Queensland
Project Cranes The Outcome Key Learning
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Placement of panels at an industrial complex
110t Manitowoc M12000
Minor damage to plant with a broken glass window • Have an appropriate number of workers required for the lift • Use heightened awareness when working in restricted spaces • Consider environmental factors during the risk assessment
On 9 July 2019, a 110t Manitowoc M12000 was placing concrete tilt panels at an industrial complex on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The first panel had been lifted into place fairly close to the crane, and the next panel weighing 20 tonnes needed to be placed in between the first panel and the crane. This required the crane operator to position himself as close to the first panel as possible.
Working in a very tight and confined space, the “flip up” windscreen was open at the time to reduce sun glare. With the sun in his eyes, the operator was concentrating on ensuring the concrete panel did not strike the boom. When slewing to pass the jib over the top corner of the first panel, the panel struck the crane’s windscreen shattering the glass. Fortunately, the operator was not injured.
Key learnings from this incident
There were multiple factors contributing to this incident which should have been addressed. When working with concrete panels in restricted spaces, it is imperative to:
• Ensure an appropriate number of workers are available for the lift. Due to the confined nature of the lift, the operator and rigger should have stopped the job and communicated to the client that further workers/riggers would be required to control the load. Keeping open and clear lines of communication between the team on the site is crucial for safety.
• Use heightened awareness of your surrounds when working in tight spaces, whilst maintaining focus on the lift.
• Take into consideration environmental conditions that may contribute to a difficult lift such as sun glare or wind. Ensure these are factored into the risk assessment prior to the job.
