Hydraulic Ram Overhaul Australia Pty Ltd (HROA)operates a hydraulic ram repair business and repairs hydraulic cylinders and components. HROA has been sentenced to a fine of $50,000 for failing to provide a safe system of work that ensured workers had instruction on how to correctly install the parts in a boom hydraulic cylinder and a procedure to ensure that the parts have been correctly installed, regardless of the make or model of the boom hydraulic cylinder.
In April 2023 HROA performed repair work on the boom hydraulic cylinder of a concrete pump attachment fitted to a concrete pump truck. In early May that year, whilst using the concrete pump for footpath construction, a sudden oil leak from the concrete pump boom ensued and the boom collapsed, striking a worker on the head. The worker was seriously injured and remained unconscious and on life support for several weeks.
WorkSafe’s investigation into the incident revealed that the holding valves and banjo bolts in the hydraulic cylinder had not been installed correctly during the repair.
The Court noted that HROA delivers a specialised service and therefore holds a significant duty to ensure that the repairs they perform are correct. It is foreseeable that incorrectly maintained or installed components in a hydraulic system can result in potential consequences of serious injury or death. A recent coronial inquiry into the death of a worker in a concrete boom pump collapse highlighted the extreme risk posed to workers when concrete boom pumps fail.
Australian Standard AS 2550 details inspection requirements for concrete pump booms:
And WorkSafe offers guidance and advice on the safe operation of concrete boom pumps:
- Mobile concrete boom pump safety | WorkSafe Victoria
- Industry standard: Concrete pumping | WorkSafe Victoria
Read more: Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings | WorkSafe Victoria