The crane in the 5 October incident sustained significant structural damage, causing its load to fall to the ground.

It follows the immediate suspension of a high risk work licence relating to an incident on 6 September 2022 where a crane tipped while lifting a load at a playground being constructed at Penfold Park, Magill.

SafeWork SA attended the sites and conducted investigations into the incidents and believe both the crane operators failed to take reasonable care that their acts or omissions did not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.

No injuries were sustained in either incident, however, both incidents had the potential to expose people to the risk of serious injury or death.

The damaged crane at Hackney (left) and the tipped Magill crane (right).  

Reminder of licence holder obligations

SafeWork SA reminds high risk work licence holders that their licences have been issued on the basis they have been trained, assessed and deemed competent to undertake the class of work safely.

Licence holders have a duty to ensure their actions do not put themselves or others at risk of injury or harm while undertaking work activities.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said high risk work licence holders and those engaging licence holders, needed to be reminded of their duty to take reasonable care to carry out activities safely and competently.

‘High risk work licence holders who operate plant need to work in a safe manner and within the rated capacity and capability,’ he said.

‘As the Regulator, I will not hesitate to immediately suspend high risk work licences where there are grounds and reasonable care has not been demonstrated.’

High Risk Work Licence

An individual must be licensed for a class of high risk work before they carry out that type of work.

A licence to perform high risk work is recognised all around Australia as part of a national licensing system and is required for the following kinds of work:

• Crane and hoist operation
• Dogging and rigging work
• Forklift operation
• Pressure equipment operation
• Scaffolding work.

Cancellation/suspension of licence

SafeWork SA can suspend or cancel a high risk work licence and disqualify the licence holder from applying for other licences if the licence holder has failed to take reasonable care to carry out the high risk work safely and competently.