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  • Steel girder crush fatality - 6 July 2020
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Steel girder crush fatality - 6 July 2020

A 34-year-old worker was killed after being crushed between two steel girders. As one of the girders, nearly 30 metres long and weighing almost nine tonnes, was being lifted by chain slings, it shifted, crushing the worker.

The two girders and bridge crane involved in the incident

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with lifting large or heavy loads.

Before any lift, make sure:

  • the licensed dogger or rigger determine a safe lifting method, by calculating mass and selecting lifting equipment and slinging techniques
  • the plant, attachments and lifting gear have been designed for that specific task, and inspected and maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendations
  • the attachments and lifting gear are appropriate for the item of plant, and properly fitted
  • exclusion zones are established and maintained to protect everybody from falling objects and moving plant
  • all crane operators and users of lifting equipment are appropriately trained and correctly licensed (where required).

During the lift, make sure:

  • no-one places themselves within the vicinity of a suspended load
  • there are no obstructions and you can always see the load during the lift - if the load is outside your view, the lifting process must be directed by a licensed dogger or rigger
  • all loads are lifted, carried and stored in a manner that ensures the safety of the plant, and the security of the load and any attachments.

More information

  • Code of practice for managing the risks of plant in the workplace
  • Code of practice on how to manage work health and safety risks
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