Scaffold and Crane Work Health Safety Failure Incidents and Case Studies in Australia

The aim of this study is to determine whether construction processes involving erection, use and dismantling of temporary structures such as tower cranes and metal scaffolding in Australian high-rise construction sites have been in compliance with the existing Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements. The research reviewed number of case studies in Sydney to investigate the causes of crane and scaffold safety incidents. The results of evaluation of these separate sites have shown that without stringent safety procedures in place to abide by the WHS Act and Regulations, major accidents associated with crane and scaffold with serious injuries including fatalities are inevitable. Results also found that a number of limiting factors including communication skills, regular maintenance, safety checks, safety culture and safety investments contribute to the severity of the incidents. It was evident that a lack of compliance in both tower crane and scaffolding services has impacted the construction industry greatly. In particular, the results highlighted the importance of educating all employees in regard to risks related to crane operation and use of scaffolding. The study recommends that regular maintenance checks must always be conducted to ensure all components of tower cranes and scaffolding are in working condition free from any defects.