High-risk work licence suspended for unsafe crane operation

An incident where a crane tipped over while lifting a load at a construction site in Edwardstown, 6 km south-west of Adelaide, has led to the immediate suspension of a high-risk work licence class C6 – slewing crane (with capacity under 60 tonnes). SafeWork SA investigated the incident and found that the crane operator failed to take reasonable care of his own health and safety, and failed to take reasonable care to ensure his actions did not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. While no injuries were sustained, the incident posed a serious risk to the health and safety of workers at the construction site.

SafeWork SA issues high-risk work licences on the basis that recipients have been trained, assessed and deemed competent to undertake the class of work safety. Recipients must ensure their actions do not put themselves or others at risk while undertaking work activities.

“High-risk work licences should provide some assurance and peace of mind to employers that the licence holder is competent to safely operate the plan while managing the risks and hazards. As the Regulator, I will not hesitate to immediately suspend high-risk work licences where there are grounds reasonable care has not been demonstrated,” said Martyn Campbell, SafeWork SA Executive Director.

An individual must be licensed for a class of high-risk work before carrying out that type of work. A licence to perform high-risk work is recognised throughout Australia, and is required for forklift operation, scaffolding work, pressure equipment operation, crane and hoist operation, and dogging and rigging work. SafeWork SA can suspend or cancel a high-risk work licence, and disqualify the licence holder from applying for other licences, if they fail to carry out high-risk work safety and competently.

Image credit: SafeWork SA.