WorkSafe Victoria reminds employers and self-employed persons to control the risks while loading and transporting prefabricated concrete elements.
Prefabricated concrete elements, also known as precast panels, are usually manufactured at one location and transported to another location for installation. These elements can weigh several tonnes and vary in size, shape and weight.
Across Australia, there have been several incidents where prefabricated concrete elements have fallen from trailers during transport. In some cases, members of the public have been killed.
In Victoria, incidents have included:
- a 30-tonne concrete bridge beam falling from a trailer while entering a freeway
- precast concrete panels falling from trailers while travelling on highways
- a precast concrete panel falling from a trailer after a strongback failed.
To prevent prefabricated concrete elements from falling during transport, employers and self-employed persons should:
- plan transport routes before starting the journey, considering factors such as access restrictions, road conditions, permits and delivery sequencing
- ensure elements are loaded, supported and restrained using transport frames and restraint systems suitable for the size, shape and weight of the load
- inspect trailers, A-frames, transport frames, chains, restraints, anchor points and any other relevant equipment before each journey and remove damaged equipment from service
- verify the element has reached the required strength for transport and is loaded to maintain stability during the journey
- provide drivers and transport workers with training on load restraint, route hazards and safe loading and unloading procedures
- inspect loads after loading and before unloading to ensure restraints remain effective and the load cannot shift, fall or become dislodged.
Employers can find guidance about the safe use of prefabricated concrete elements in the WorkSafe publication Precast and tilt-up concrete for buildings: Industry standard | WorkSafe Victoria.
Read more: Prefabricated concrete elements falling during transport | WorkSafe Victoria