Worker hit by falling crane boom (10 March 2025)

A 21-year-old dogman was assisting a mobile crane operator in lifting portable buildings from a truck flatbed. The mobile crane overturned and the boom of the crane struck the dogman, causing traumatic injuries to his foot.

On a construction site, a mobile crane is tipped on it's side while hooked to a portable building. In the background, there is a white truck and additional portable buildings. The ground appears to be grey asphalt.
Close-up shot of a mobile tipped over on the ground, showing visible damage and scattered debris. A yellow bin is in the foreground, with portable buildings in the background. The scene indicates the crane struck the dogman.

Photos of the Franna Crane involved at the incident site.

                     

Safety information

Common risks associated with mobile cranes include:

  • crane tip/roll over
  • the load or falling objects from the load striking someone
  • the crane striking or crushing someone
  • the crane coming into contact with objects such as buildings, scaffolds, other plant and overhead powerlines.

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated when working around mobile plant.

Ensure:

  • the crane has been maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines and all inspection logs and maintenance records are up to date and available for review
  • you conduct a thorough pre-start inspection of the mobile crane as per the manufacturer’s guidelines including operating and emergency controls, crane structure, tyres, wire ropes and safety features
  • the crane is only operated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines
  • the operator can interpret and apply the crane’s load charts in consideration of the crane configuration, lift task and site constraints
  • prior to pick and carry operations, an appropriate assessment of the travel path is undertaken to identify influences on lifting capacity. This includes fore/aft/side slope of the surface, ground condition, rough terrain and required crane articulation angle (where applicable)
  • the crane operator holds the appropriate High Risk Work Licence and has received specific training for the mobile crane they are operating
  • the crane operator is competent and/or has relevant experience specific to the lift task being performed
  • a Safe Work Method Statement is completed before commencing work to identify potential hazards and implement the appropriate control measures, particularly when crane operations are conducted near other workers, with clearly defined exclusion zones and designated spotters as required
  • appropriate communication systems are established between the crane operator, dogman and any other workers directly involved in the lift
  • if tag lines are being used to guide and control loads, they must be of sufficient length to permit a safe distance from the load and the path of the crane. Caution must apply when using tag lines to control loads consisting of a large mass or large surface area or in windy conditions
  • the ground is stable and level, if working on soft or uneven ground additional measures such as mats or plates are used to stabilize the crane
  • the position of the crane is in a safe area, avoid positioning the crane near hazards such as overhead powerlines or over underground services
  • you check weather forecasts for high winds, poor visibility, lightning and thunderstorms.

Related guidance material

Further information

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