Workers struck by concrete placing boom during concrete pour (5 August 2025)

A truck-mounted concrete placing boom was placing concrete within a construction site when the supporting surface under one of the extended outriggers failed. This caused a sudden movement of the truck with rapid deflection of the extended delivery boom. Two workers were struck by the boom, resulting in one fatality and significant injuries to the other.

South-facing view of the rear of a red concrete pumping truck at a construction site, tipped over on its side behind a wire fence
Image 1: South facing view of rear of concrete pumping truck involved in incident. Left front and rear outriggers in the air above the ground, left rear tyres in the air and truck is tilted to the right adjacent to the excavation.
East-face view of a concrete truck incident at a construction site, showing the boom and red pipe attached to it lying on the ground, with multiple wireframes in the background.
Image 2: East facing view of boom and red pipe attached to boom. Concrete pumping truck in background.
                                                                                                                                        

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the setup, operation and stability of truck mounted concrete placing booms during pouring activities.

Ensure:

  • assessment of the set-up location is done by a competent person before work begins. Consider:
    • ground condition
    • slope of the surface
    • proximity to excavations
    • underground services, and
    • the available area.
  • outriggers are deployed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and positioned in accordance with the site assessment
  • suitable outrigger support pads of sufficient surface area and construction are applied as determined by the site assessment
  • the selected concrete placing equipment is suited to the task and is operated within its design limitations
  • the activity is appropriately staffed to enable safe operation of the pump, including monitoring of the outrigger support pads and ground condition
  • the operation is stopped and issue rectified if movement of the outrigger support pads or ground subsidence is observed
  • exclusion zones are established around concrete pumping operations to prevent unauthorised access
  • pre-operational inspections are conducted before each pour
  • setup procedures are documented and verified, including sign off by a competent person with reference to approved drawings
  • workers are trained in safe setup and operation of the make and model of equipment in use – this includes hazard identification and emergency response
  • operators hold an appropriate high risk work licence.

Related guidance material

Further information

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