Powell, Christopher Ian

Contributing factors

• unstable ground bearing capacity (hard crust over soft clay)
• inadequate ground assessment by EWP operator
• use of standard plastic pads rather than timber dunnage
• short-legging of rear passenger side outrigger
• recent rain and tidal influences affecting ground stability
• operator lack of training in geotechnical assessment
• absence of mandatory geotechnical report requirement
• lack of ground information provided by site owner/developer
• complex ground conditions with mixed fill materials
• regulatory hiatus in EWP safety standards compared to mobile cranes

Coroner's recommendations

1. Elevated Work Platforms in excess of 5 tonnes performing work on complex ground requiring high-risk work licence with boom of 11 metres or more should be incorporated into the definition of mobile crane subject to Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006 (Qld), or alternatively have their own EWP Code of Practice incorporating setup and ground bearing pressure calculations.
2. Mandatory requirement for geotechnical report specific to EWP machinery before setup on complex ground sites for EWPs exceeding 5 tonnes performing high-risk work with boom of 11 metres or more.
3. Incorporate relevant provisions of Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006 (Qld) into Queensland Safe Support of Mobile Plant Guide (2018), Safe Work Australia Guide to Managing the Risks of Elevating Work Platforms, and EWPA Good Practice Guide, specifically addressing: risks of overturning from unstable ground; short-legging effects on stability; ground condition variations and hazards; dunnage and stabiliser pad requirements; ground bearing capacity certification by geotechnical engineer; roles and responsibilities for crane stability; load chart function; lifting points; and training.
4. EWP licensed operators and applicants for EWP operator licence should receive additional training by geotechnical experts regarding identification of hazardous and unsure ground conditions, and interpretation of geotechnical reports; review of units of competency to ensure continued understanding of geotechnical hazards during setup and operation.
5. Queensland Government, industry groups and regulators should consult with Commonwealth and interstate/territory work health and safety regulators about proposed amendments in context with National Model Work Health and Safety laws.