Another elevating work platform incident after recent safety alert

SafeWork Victoria has recently issued a safety alert to inform employers about the importance of safety systems when using EWPs (Elevating Work Platforms). EWPs are mobile platforms that lift or lower people and equipment from base support, such as scissor lifts, self-propelled boom lifts, trailer or vehicle-mounted lifts, and telehandlers with elevating work platform attachments. The alert was issued after two workers were crushed in separate incidents involving EWPs in Melbourne. Both workers became trapped between the platform of the EWP and a fixed structure beam. One employee died and the other was injured.

Another incident occurred after safety alert issued

Recently, another incident involving an EWP occurred on August 11, in Melbourne. A young contractor working on a construction site was crushed between a steel roof beam and the basket of an EWP. The contractor was operating the platform boom lift while in the basket when it lifted to roof level and caused the fatal injury.

How to work safely with EWPs

As a person conducting a business or undertaking, there is a duty to keep workers and workplaces safe from the risks of using EWPs. Here are some tips on how to work safely with EWPs:

• Inspect, maintain, and test EWPs regularly to ensure they are safe to use.
• Train, supervise, and license workers who operate EWPs. Workers must have a high-risk work licence to operate a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11m or more. They must show this licence or written evidence before operating the EWP. For other types of EWPs, workers must know how to operate them safely with the right training, information, instruction, and supervision. Training for people involved in the safe operation of EWPs should be structured, nationally recognised, and include assessments overseen by a suitably trained assessor.
• Use effective operator devices, such as secondary guarding, to prevent crush injuries. These devices can stop or reverse the movement of the platform if it comes into contact with an obstacle.
• Have a rescue plan in case of an emergency. Operators should never operate an EWP alone. A safety observer should be appointed to monitor the operation and warn of hazards. The safety observer should also be able to report for immediate rescue if needed.

Here are some risks to consider:

• Avoid overhead or adjacent fixed structures such as roofs, beams, cable trays, and pipework. These can cause crush injuries if the platform comes into contact with them.
• Avoid platforms moving unexpectedly due to unstable ground conditions, unfamiliarity with operations, or control malfunctions. These can cause accidents when close to overhead or adjacent fixed structures.
• Avoid ground-based obstacles in close proximity to the EWP that may distract operator attention. These can cause collisions or overturning if the operator loses control of the EWP.

To learn more about EWP safety and the recent alert, please visit the WorkSafe Victoria information page.

Sources

Worker crushed between platform and roof by WorkSafe Victoria, 11th August, 2023

Safety alert issued after employee crushed while using elevating work platform by AIHS, 11th August, 2023

Employee crushed while using elevating work platform by WorkSafe Victoria, 18th July, 2023

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