Warning on crane safety after new incident

SafeWork SA is urging construction firms to review their safety procedures surrounding the use of cranes after a crane was crushed by its load in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

A crane was lifting a pre-fabricated tilt-up panel at a construction site operated by Built Environs, at the Gepps Cross Home Centre on Main North Road.

The lifted panel knocked into another, causing it to fall onto the crane.

The crane operator jumped from the crane and twisted his ankle.

A rigger is suffering from shock.

The site was served three Prohibition Notices preventing further use of the crane, the structure and the particular work process.

These will not be lifted until the employer is able to demonstrate to SafeWork SA that the safety issues highlighted by the incident have been suitably addressed.

“Following recent incidents at city building sites, today’s development is most concerning,” said SafeWork SA acting executive director Peter Hampton.

“The hazards associated with the use of cranes are well known and should be managed rigorously, given the potential for serious harm."

SafeWork is investigating the incident.