Fatal Boom Lift Incident in Victoria Highlights Importance of Safety Systems, Inspections and Operator Protection

The Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA) and the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) are reminding businesses of the critical importance of equipment inspections, operator training and safe work practices following a recent court ruling in Victoria involving a fatal boom lift incident.

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court recently fined two companies a combined $630,000 following the death of a 25-year-old worker at a construction site in Melbourne’s northeast in August 2023.

The worker was operating a boom lift while installing safety mesh beneath roof steelwork when he was fatally crushed against an overhead structure.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, its investigation found that no spotter was being used during the task and that an Operator Protection Alarm (OPA) fitted to the boom lift had been disconnected. The court heard the machine had been serviced on the day of the incident.

In its findings, the court determined that it was reasonably practicable to have systems in place requiring documented pre-start inspections, appropriate management of equipment faults, and the use of a licensed safety observer. It also found that the inoperative operator protection device should have been identified and rectified before the machine remained in service.

The WorkSafe Victoria Industry Standard for the Safe Use of Elevating Work Platforms states, ‘…where there is a risk of crushing against a fixed structure, an effective operator protective device needs to be fitted, so far as is reasonably practicable.’

Although secondary guarding is not part of the design standard AS/NZS 1418.10, elevating work platform owners and users also need to comply with relevant Codes of Practice, Industry Standards and state-based regulations.

While the case relates to the actions of the companies involved, it serves as a broader reminder to the industry about the layers of protection required to safely operate mobile elevating work platforms.

Safety Controls Must Work Together

EWPA President John Glover said the tragedy highlighted the importance of ensuring that safety devices, training and workplace procedures all operate together as part of a comprehensive risk management approach.

“Every fatality is a stark reminder that safety controls exist for a reason. Operator protection systems, pre-start inspections, supervision and site risk assessments are not optional extras. They are critical safeguards that can help prevent lives being lost.”

“Rental companies, owners, manufacturers, contractors and operators all have a role to play in ensuring equipment is maintained correctly, inspected before use and operated in accordance with industry guidance and training.”

EWPA Chief Executive Officer James Oxenham said the incident reinforced the importance of ongoing competency and adherence to established safe work practices.

“The elevating work platform sector has invested heavily in training, safety innovation and operator protection technology over many years. However, those controls are only effective when they are all followed and EWPs are routinely inspected, maintained, tested and used.”

“This case demonstrates why daily pre-start inspections, reporting of defects, appropriate supervision and safety systems in working order are fundamental to safety across every worksite.”

EWPA encourages all businesses using elevating work platforms to:

• Conduct and document daily pre-start inspections.
• Immediately remove equipment from service if a safety-critical fault is identified.
• Ensure all operator protection and safety systems are functional and have not been bypassed or disconnected.
• Undertake site-specific risk assessments before work commences.
• Use spotters or safety observers where required by the task and work environment.
• Verify operators hold the appropriate licence, competency and familiarisation training for the equipment being used.
• Promote a safety culture where defects, near-misses and safety concerns are reported and addressed promptly.

The incident is a sobering reminder that safe outcomes depend on multiple layers of protection working together. Maintaining equipment, following established procedures and ensuring operators are properly trained remain essential to preventing serious injury and fatalities when working at height.