Serious injuries involving falling glass panels (20 April 2026)

Handling, unloading, and installing glass are common tasks in construction and manufacturing, and are often seen as routine. However, these activities can be hazardous. Glass panels are heavy, fragile, and can become unstable, especially during delivery, unloading and preparation for installation. Recent incidents involving glass have resulted in serious and fatal injuries, highlighting the importance of greater awareness and strong safety controls when working with glass.

On 11 March 2026 workers were unloading glass panels stored upright in a shipping container utilising a mobile crane (Franna). While preparing the load for lifting, a worker entered the container and removed a restraint strap securing a pallet of glass panels. The pallet became unstable and collapsed. The worker sustained serious crush injuries.

On 20 April 2026 a worker was onsite to receive a delivery of glass panels intended for installation around a pool area. During manual unloading from a flatbed truck, workers positioned on the truck were removing glass panels from a rack when the panels became unstable and fell from the vehicle. The worker standing on the ground beside the truck sustained fatal injuries when the panels with a combined estimated weight of approximately 300 kilograms fell on them.

Close-up inside a shipping container showing fallen glass panels crushing a ladder after the load became unstable and collapsed.
Images: Toppled pallet of glass within shipping container.
Toppled pallet of glass inside a shipping container, with broken panes scattered across the floor after the load became unstable and collapsed.
Note ladder between pallet and wall of container.
                                                                                                                              

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with glass handling, unloading and installation activities, including falling objects, crush injuries and interactions with plant and lifting equipment.

Ensure:

  • risks associated with unloading, handling and installing glass panels are identified and assessed before work begins
  • safe systems of work are developed and implemented for the loading and unloading of glass from trucks, containers and storage racks
  • glass panels are adequately restrained and stabilised at all times to prevent sudden movement or collapse, including when restraints are loosened or removed prior to unloading
  • exclusion zones are established and enforced to keep workers and others clear of unsecured or suspended glass
  • mechanical lifting aids and appropriate plant are used for heavy or large glass panels. Plant must be specifically designed for the lift with lifting attachments that are suitable for the load restraint systems and load-bearing straps are clearly identified, labelled and not altered without understanding their role in load stability
  • workers are not positioned in front of, beneath or beside unstable glass panels
  • tools for cutting straps or restraints are accessible without requiring workers to enter hazardous positions
  • workers receive appropriate information, training, instruction and supervision specific to glass handling tasks
  • workers who are making decisions on slinging methods and what gear to use for the job have a high risk work licence, unless a ‘competent’ person has already provided safe lifting procedures
  • consultation is undertaken with workers and suppliers to identify hazards and safe unloading configurations
  • appropriate personal protective equipment is worn, including eye protection, cut-resistant gloves and protective footwear
  • suitable first aid equipment for serious laceration or crush injuries is readily available
  • emergency response procedures are in place and understood by workers.

Related guidance material

Further information

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