Major Crane Logistics Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined $100,000 after an unsecured pallet was dropped onto the Warringal Private Hospital in Heidelberg, causing sections of the roof to collapse.
The crane company, now in liquidation, was sentenced ex-parte after being found guilty of a single charge of failing to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that persons other than employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
The court heard that the company was engaged to provide tower crane operators, dogmen and crane-related equipment to assist with the hospital's redevelopment in July 2023. On the day of the incident workers were using a tower crane to lift a load comprised of two pallets of plasterboard, each weighing nearly one tonne, over the hospital's Sutherland Ward.
As the load was being lowered onto a landing platform, the top pallet slid and fell onto the roof below, damaging a consultation room and reception lounge. Although there was a patient in the room at the time of the drop, no-one was injured as a result of the incident.
The court found that it was reasonably practicable for Major Crane Logistics to reduce the risk of a load drop by implementing a system of work that required each pallet to be lifted separately, or if they were to be lifted together, to be restrained by chocking, wrapping, strapping or banding the pallets.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said failing to establish a safe system of work when using cranes was a recipe for disaster. "Properly securing loads when using heavy machinery like cranes is a crucial step in preventing serious incidents like this which could have had a much worse outcome," Mr Jenkin said.
"Adhering to safe systems of work is a fundamental obligation for all employers to keep both workers and the general public safe during construction activities."
Kane Constructions Pty Ltd, the principal contractor on the site, has also been charged in relation to the incident.
WorkSafe urges crane operators to manage the risks of crane lifts by:
- Selecting the proper crane and lifting equipment for the task, size and weight of the load.
- Ensuring that cranes are maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and requirements, and that they are operated within their design parameters.
- Ensuring that crane operators and persons connecting loads have the skills, training and licences to operate safely.
- Creating and adhering to safe systems of work and ensuring all workers are properly trained and competent before commencing the task.
- Considering environmental factors such as weather, ground bearing capacity, overhead and underground services such as power lines. pipes and drains, and ensuring that non-essential persons are excluded from the area of operation.
- For construction work, ensuring that a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is created and adhered to.
WorkSafe publishes guidance for employers to ensure their crane operations are performed safely and in compliance with the law at their Cranes, hoists and winches page.
In February 2025 the Sentencing Advisory Council released a report to the Victorian Government making 12 recommendations for reform regarding the sentencing of OHS offences in Victoria. This included significantly increasing maximum penalties for breaching OHS duties in line with community expectations. The Victorian Government is yet to provide a response to this report.
Read more: $100,000 fine after crane incident at hospital | WorkSafe Victoria