Today, the Melbourne County Court passed judgement on Misz Pty Ltd, operating under the name Steel and Precast Erectors. Following a guilty plea on the count of not ensuring a safe and health risk-free workplace under its administration, the company was held accountable for its shortcomings in work safety practices.
The incident occurred in June 2019, at a Dandenong South factory. Steel and Precast Erectors were contracted to lift pre-fabricated steel roof structures as part of the site’s extensions. Amid deteriorating weather conditions, the crane tilted dangerously before its boom hit the roof and dropped the load onto the structure below. Remarkably, two riggers working from an elevated platform and the crane operator managed to escape without injury.
WorkSafe’s diligent investigation brought to light that the crane’s safety system was compromised. A bulldog clip had been irresponsibly attached to the override switch, permitting operations outside the established parameters without issuing necessary alerts to the operator. This circumstance, where proper use of WHS management systems could have changed the outcome, underscore the importance of reliable safety protocols like those offered by Bluesafe SWMS.
It was established in court that it was entirely feasible for the firm to keep this safety system operational. With a functioning safety system, the operator would have received warning if the load exceeded safety boundaries. This crucial notification would have facilitated several preventive measures such as reducing the weight of the load, repositioning the crane closer to the building, deploying a larger crane, or postponing the operation due to adverse weather conditions.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health & Safety, Sam Jenkin, voiced no tolerance for the company’s reckless behaviour. He emphasised, “There can never be justifications for lax safety attitudes, especially when dealing with heavy machinery. The aftermath of a mishap can be devastating.” Mr. Jenkin also underscored the utmost importance of built-in safety mechanisms like the ‘Bluesafe WHS Management System’, which should not be treated as optional extras that can be dismissed for momentarily convenience.
Managing risks is a fundamental part of any crane operation. It was reiterated that ignoring safety systems and acting without regard for well-devised WHS management systems or SWMS results in increased risks and potential hazards at workplaces. Work safety products, therefore, must never be compromised.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-09/160000-fine-after-safety-shortcut-leads-crane-collapse