Prefabricated concrete elements falling during transport

Background

Prefabricated concrete elements, also known as precast panels, are usually manufactured at one location and transported to another location for installation. These elements can weigh several tonnes and vary in size, shape and weight.

Across Australia, there have been several incidents where prefabricated concrete elements have fallen from trailers during transport. In some cases, members of the public have been killed.

In Victoria, incidents have included:

• a 30-tonne concrete bridge beam falling from a trailer while entering a freeway
• precast concrete panels falling from trailers while travelling on highways
• a precast concrete panel falling from a trailer after a strongback failed.

Safety issues

Prefabricated concrete elements can weigh several tonnes and may need to be transported over long distances.

Elements can fall from vehicles during transport due to:

• inadequate load restraint
• failure of components such as strongbacks
• contact with low overhead structures
• unsuitable transport routes
• unsafe driving practices
• damaged or inadequate transport frames.

If a prefabricated concrete element falls from a vehicle, it can strike other vehicles, pedestrians or members of the public, causing serious injury or death.

Recommended ways to control the risk

To prevent prefabricated concrete elements from falling during transport, employers and self-employed persons should:

• plan transport routes before starting the journey, considering factors such as access restrictions, road conditions, permits and delivery sequencing
• ensure elements are loaded, supported and restrained using transport frames and restraint systems suitable for the size, shape and weight of the load
• inspect trailers, A-frames, transport frames, chains, restraints, anchor points and any other relevant equipment before each journey and remove damaged equipment from service
• verify the element has reached the required strength for transport and is loaded to maintain stability during the journey
• provide drivers and transport workers with training on load restraint, route hazards and safe loading and unloading procedures
• inspect loads after loading and before unloading to ensure restraints remain effective and the load cannot shift, fall or become dislodged.

Legal duties

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers must, so far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to the health of employees. This includes identifying risks to health or safety and eliminating or reducing those risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Employers must, as far as is reasonably practicable, provide or maintain plant or systems of work that are safe and without risks to health.

Employers must provide employees the necessary information, instruction, training or supervision to enable them to do their work in a way that is safe and without risks to health

Employers must also ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that other people are not exposed to risks to their health or safety arising from the employer's conduct.

Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at a workplace.