Crane boom floodlight impact with scaffolding

Cause & Consequence

• Contact with something fixed or stationary
• Moving machinery or material being machined

Contributing Factor

• Communication
• Complacency

Description of Process

Conducting crane function tests.

Description of Incident

Personnel were conducting crane function tests at an opportune time, requiring movement of the crane boom. During the testing, the crane driver and two other personnel within the cab were distracted by a noise. A floodlight attached to the crane boom struck a scaffold structure at 38m elevation.

Minor damage was observed to the scaffolding component. No dropped objects or personal injury sustained, however in slightly different circumstances the incident could have resulted in one or more fatalities and serious asset damage.

What went wrong?

•No hazard identification or Toolbox Talk conducted for the task•The slew limits on the crane had not been adjusted to account for the temporary scaffold structure•The crane boom continued to be moved as the driver was distracted

Good Practice Guidance

•Ensure a Toolbox Talk is completed before starting work

•Carry out a Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) before staring work – check for temporary equipment during DRA

•Ensure crane limits are set to reflect current conditions