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Mobile crane falls into excavation
An operator was positioning a 25-ton crane in preparation of concrete activities. The crane, which was replacing a smaller 20-ton model, was to be positioned near a large 3 m deep excavation in which concrete foundations were being constructed. While manoeuvring, the crane operator drove too close to the edge, and crashed down on its side into the excavation. The operator, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained an elbow dislocation of the left arm. Injury would have been worse had he not used the seatbelt.
  • Each time there is a change in site activities, process, or equipment is replaced with a different type, a HEMP (Hazards and Effect Management Process) needs to be carried out again to identify and access any new hazards that may have been introduced.

  • Workers (in this case the crane operator and banksman) are empowered to STOP work they consider unsafe and request a re-evaluation of the hazards.

  • Crane operators should have mandatory 2 yearly eyesight tests (as part of their medical certification).

  • The construction team identified hazard introduced by the limited area for crane movement, but did not take more proactive measures to eliminate the hazard.

  • When the smaller crane was replaced with a bigger/heavier model a hazard analysis was not carried out again.

  • Repositioning of the crane was carried out late afternoon at 5 pm, when the operator and banksman may have been tired.


Category:Safety AlertsDocument Type:Safety
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