The District Court of NSW has ordered Titan Cranes and Rigging pay a $390,000 fine for placing workers at risk of death or serious injury in a high-risk construction environment.
On 25 September 2016, three workers employed by Titan were performing work at a residential apartment construction site at North Sydney. This work involved the dismantle of an 18-tonne luffing tower crane.
The method used to dismantle the crane devised by Titan had not been approved by the crane manufacturer and didn't follow the crane manufacturer's handbook. During the dismantle of the crane, the crane jib collapsed and fell, leaving all three workers dangling.
All three men were transported to Royal North Shore Hospital. One worker sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures to his back and legs, as well as internal injuries.
SafeWork NSW Executive Director, Operations, Tony Williams "Employers must take the obligations imposed by the Act very seriously.
Titan has the right to lodge an appeal.
SafeWork NSW decision which was handed down on 29 November 2019
