Uneven ground behind a rise in mobile crane accidents

A rise in safety incidents involving mobile cranes on Queensland coal sites has prompted an investigation by safety officials.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) reported on two incidents involving articulated mobile cranes (pick and carry cranes) in the span of just two days.

Pick and carry cranes are widely used in coal mines and are essentially a cross between a truck and a crane, allowing workers to move heavy loads.

On July 31, a coal mine worker in Moranbah was operating a mobile crane when it flipped on its side while turning.

Just a day later, a worker in Central Queensland broke his leg when he was struck in the knee by a load from a moving pick and carry crane. He was flown to Rockhampton hospital for treatment.

RSHQ commenced investigations into both incidents, with chief inspector of coal mines Jacques le Roux sharing a few early insights.

“There are a number of reasons why we’re seeing more incidents but a big one is operating on uneven ground,” le Roux said.

“Very few areas on a mine site where articulated mobile cranes are utilised can be considered to be firm, level and uniform.

“Site senior executives should consider reducing the crane load capacity to cater for wheel ruts, potholes, protrusions and depressions found on flat mine surfaces.

“It’s also important to have no-go zones in place and enforced, to ensure there are no workers in harm’s way if a load drops from a crane.”

When it comes to pick and carry cranes, if weight is not evenly distributed it often causes rollovers, loads falling, mechanical failures and collisions.

RHSQ has previously warned mine operators about the risks associated with pick and carry cranes.

The Crane Industry Council of Australia estimates articulated mobile cranes account for between 64 and 68 per cent of all crane incidents.

RHSQ inspectors will continue to audit sites to improve the safety of workers.

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