Finding into death of Gregory Jon Andrews

Contributing factors

• lack of proper licensing for crane operation
• operator not holding required Vehicle Loading Crane (CV) licence
• inadequate operator training or familiarisation
• inadequate wooden blocks under stabiliser foot pads
• left-side stabiliser leg not fully extended
• operator positioned between two vehicles
• absence of Safe Work Method Statement
• absence of Job Safety Analysis
• failure to assign trained spotter to assist
• operating crane alone without second person
• poor site planning and preparation
• lack of proper traffic management
• private vehicle blocking intended unloading position
• cramped site conditions preventing safe stabiliser extension
• disabled Electronic Lifting Moment Limiting Device on crane
• inadequate maintenance records

Coroner's recommendations

1. TCB Trans Pty Ltd implement a policy that two employees be assigned for work where crane truck use is anticipated, or alternatively that a suitably trained spotter always be available to assist on site
2. Fassi include in the Use and Maintenance manual 170A.22 a recommendation that a spotter should always be available to the operator of the crane
3. WorkSafe issue Safety Alerts on a regular and periodic basis, and not only in response to a fatality, on the dangers of operating hydraulic cranes, including recommendations that a spotter always be available
4. Parliament of Victoria expressly incorporate the requirement of appropriate staffing or availability of a spotter into section 27 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (designers of plant)
5. Parliament of Victoria expressly incorporate the requirement of appropriate staffing or availability of a spotter into section 29 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (manufacturers of plant)
6. Parliament of Victoria expressly incorporate the requirement of appropriate staffing or availability of a spotter into section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (suppliers of plant)
7. Parliament of Victoria expressly incorporate the requirement of considering appropriate staffing or availability of a spotter into Part 3.5 or Part 3.6 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (as alternative to amending the Act)