Coroner's Finding: Wagg, Christopher

Contributing factors

• Missing directional decals on EWP chassis
• Inoperative emergency stop button
• Incomplete maintenance log book
• Absent creep speed control function
• Non-functional warning horn
• Sealed over out of level alarm
• No key in ground control panel
• Machine 2 years overdue for mandatory 10-year major service
• Failure of pre-delivery inspection
• Failure to conduct pre-start checks
• Inadequate risk assessment documentation
• Presence of skip bin in work area creating collision hazard
• Positioning of EWP near overhead structural beams

Coroner's recommendations

1. Review regulatory requirements for High Risk Work licence to require licensing for all persons operating boom-type elevating work platforms regardless of boom length
2. Review WorkSafe Tasmania's ability to maintain a system of audit to assess whether competent persons have properly inspected registered plant and ensure unsafe registered plant is not in service, with adequate resourcing
3. Review WorkSafe Tasmania's ability to assess and audit determinations by PCBUs of 'competent persons' on a regular basis, with adequate resourcing
4. Nyrstar review its vehicle entry procedures on an ongoing basis to ensure effective detection of defective vehicles and equipment
5. Nyrstar give priority to prompt distribution of new versions of Site Conditions and ongoing contractor education regarding safety policies
6. Caution to all EWP users to undertake training, conduct pre-start checks, check log books, conduct risk assessments, and understand control functions