WorkSafe Victoria is investigating after an employee died in an incident involving an EWP. The employee was trying to load the scissor-lift EWP onto a tilt-tray truck in West Melbourne. The EWP fell from the rear of the vehicle, and the force ejected the employee from the EWP. The employee received serious head injuries and died in hospital.
Worksafe Victoria have issued a reminder to employers that safe systems of work must be in place for the delivery and collection of EWPs and go on to say that the delivery and collection of EWPs is a hazardous activity, as it involves shifting heavy plant from one level to another. The risks involved with this activity include:
- overturning during movement
- uncontrolled movement due to freewheeling
- slipping due to low friction
- operating outside of the manufacturer’s instructions
- poor understanding of how to operate the EWP.
Each risk could result in death or serious injury.
EWPA CEO James Oxenham backed Worksafe Victoria’s call to remind employers of their responsibility to provide a safe working environment for operators and reminded Association members of the industry-specific load restraint guides and training options available https://hria.kurolms.com/courses/145.
Fatality in Randwick
At the time of writing, the EWPA has learned of a recent fatality involving a truck-mounted boom lift in Randwick, NSW.
An electrician died after he was electrocuted while operating a cherry picker in Sydney. The 47-year-old went into cardiac arrest after he came into contact with power lines on Darley Road in Randwick just before 2pm on Wednesday, according to Energy Source and Distribution News.
It’s understood the man was an employee of Ausgrid and was fatally injured in a suspected arcing incident. Co-workers brought the tradie down to the ground and commenced CPR.
Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that paramedics arrived on the scene and took over CPR. He was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital where he died.
The investigation into the circumstances of the workplace incident has been launched. Police established a crime scene and are investigating into how the tradie came into contact with the power lines. A report will be prepared for the coroner and the incident has been referred to Safework NSW.
Through its training programs, online resources, and industry consultation, the EWPA works tirelessly to ensure that Standards, working practices and training material for EWPs are as robust as possible. “When it comes to overhead power lines, unfortunately the price for getting this wrong is simply too high,” said James Oxenham.
The EWPA extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased worker.