SafeWork SA has suspended the high-risk work licences from two businesses following safety incidents involving cranes.

In the first incident, in September, a crane tipped while lifting a load at a playground being constructed.

In the second incident, in October, a crane sustained significant structural damage, causing its load to fall to the ground.

3SafeWork SA attended the sites and conducted investigations into the incidents. It determined that both the crane operators had failed to take reasonable care that their acts or omissions did not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.

While no injuries were sustained in either incident, they had the potential to expose people to the risk of serious injury or death.

Following the incidents, SafeWork SA has issued a reminder to 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.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said, “High-risk work licence-holders who operate plant need to work in a safe manner, and within the rated capacity and capability. 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.”