Safe Work Australia has published a model Code of Practice for tower cranes operating across the nation.
Identifying tower cranes as high-risk plant, the model aims to provide practical guidance to PCBUs and other stakeholders on managing work health and safety risks when operating tower cranes.
Published on June 19 2023, Safe Work Australia identified a number of risks associated with the operation of tower cranes. These risks included structural or mechanical failure and collapse; contact or collision with other plant, structures or people; arcing or flashover from an energised overhead or underground electric line; falling objects; falls from height; extreme weather and related damage or failure and collapse; fire and related damage or collapse; noise; and fatigue.
With multiple PCBUs and stakeholders involved in mitigating the risks of tower cranes in the workplace, Safe Work Australia have identified that all may have responsibility for the same health and safety matters due to their connected involvement.
The model Code of Practice includes guidance on what to do before using a tower crane, while using the crane and how to inspect and maintain a tower crane.
As a code of practice, Safe Work Australia’s latest model is not legally binding and only provides a reference point in circumstances where incidents occur.