Construction site secured after dogbox falls 10 storeys

SafeWork SA is investigating a serious workplace incident at an Adelaide construction site last Tuesday.

Some time before noon, a work box (also known as a ‘dogbox’) that was suspended from a crane went into freefall while being hoisted aloft at the Coglin Street site being developed by Kyren.

The box and cable plunged 10 storeys, landing in an alley alongside the building site.

The box was carrying cupboards, which were destroyed on impact. The box also damaged the exterior of a neighbouring building in the descent.

Remarkably, there were no casualties.

SafeWork inspectors have seized the crane, its hook and cable, the work box and relevant documents.

The cause of the incident has not been established, however the site has been secured while the investigation continues.

“It is extremely fortunate that neither workers nor bystanders were killed or injured,” said SafeWork SA Executive Director, Michele Patterson.

“The hazards in the construction industry are well known, as are the means to safely manage them.

“Following our investigations, we will consider where responsibility lies with regard to workplace safety laws.”