Worker fatally crushed by elevating work platform

In December 2017, a 22 year old worker was killed while operating a boom elevating work platform (EWP) on a construction site. The EWP basket was approximately 8-10 metres in the air being lowered when it caught on a steel support beam, causing two wheels of the EWP to lift off the ground.

In an attempt to disengage the basket of the EWP, the worker raised the boom causing the basket to release and violently recoil towards the roof of the shed. He was crushed between the top rail of the EWP basket and a steel roof purlin above. Our investigation is ongoing.

Preventing a similar incident

Elevating work platforms are important for working at height but there have been many serious incidents where operators have been trapped or crushed between the basket and overhead obstructions such as ceilings, beams, frameworks or other fittings.

The most common EWP incidents happen when reversing, slewing or elevating near an obstruction, or from unexpected movement of the boom near an obstruction. Boom type EWPs have additional risks because the boom raises in an arc shape rather than straight up.

These risks must be managed using the following controls:

• Before starting work, visually check the work area for hazards such as overhead obstructions and power lines.
• Where possible, sequence the building works so that adequate room is available to safely operate the EWP and the risk of the platform or boom becoming caught on an obstruction is minimised. In some situations a building fixture may need to be installed after the main structural members are installed and it can be extremely difficult to operate an EWP safely. In these situations alternative means of safe access should be considered.
• Supervisors and spotters should be trained and on site when an EWP is in use to help the operator navigate difficult obstructions.
• Movement of the EWP should always be slow, deliberate and planned, with careful use of the EWP's proportional controls.
• Start with the large movements of driving and elevating the EWP, and finish with finer movements when closer.
• Safe work method statements are required for all high risk construction work.
• Operators must be competent and provided with adequate training, including familiarisation training for each specific make and model of EWP they use.
• If the EWP has a boom of 11 metres or longer, the operator must hold a high risk work licence.
• Other workers should know how to use the ground controls and emergency descent devices for the type and model of EWP being used.

Statistics

In addition to this fatal incident, since 2012 there has been one other involving an EWP and a further 65 that resulted in either serious injury or other injuries requiring immediate hospital treatment. 311 enforcement notices were issued in relation to EWPs including 138 prohibition notices, 166 improvement notices, three electrical safety protection notices and two infringement notices.

In the same period, a total of 521 workers' compensation claims have been accepted for injuries associated with performing work on or near an EWP, with 11 per cent of these involving a worker being trapped between stationary and moving objects. Approximately 40 per cent of EWP related claims were made by workers in the construction industry.

Prosecutions and compliance

In November 2014, a company was fined $40,000 after a worker received head injuries from contact with a concrete beam while operating an EWP in an underground carpark. The underground car park had a clearance height of two metres, which restricted the ability of the EWP operator to stand while operating it.

In November 2007 a company was fined $45,000 after a worker received crush injuries when a joystick controller was inadvertently activated on a scissor lift, causing it to raise up and trap the worker between the rail and a concrete ceiling.

More information

• Using elevating work platforms safely - WHSQ film
• Managing risks of plant in the workplace code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.57 MB)
• Managing the risk of falls at workplaces code of practice 2021 (PDF, 3.9 MB)
• AS 2550.10 – 2006 Safe use – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Support for people affected by a serious workplace incident

Have you been affected by a workplace fatality, illness or serious injury? For advice and support, visit our Facebook page or email ohs.coronialliaison@oir.qld.gov.au.