The purpose of this alert is to make builders and concrete pump operators aware of the need to manage risks if they operate or contract the operation of a concrete pump on a construction site.
Examples of recent incidents include legs being caught in a concrete pump hopper between the agitator/paddles.
Contributing factors
- The main factor causing drivers/operators to be injured appears to be a lack of maintenance of equipment leading to failure of interlocks of the grate over the hopper, a recognised high-wear area.
- Design of the hopper makes cleaning from the outside of the hopper with water difficult.
- Design of the controls between the water and agitator are very close.
- The micro switch was not designed to fail to safety.
- Lack of operator training, inadequate instruction and supervision are factors in other incidents.
- SWMS do not adequately reflect accessing the hopper for clean-out purposes.
Action required
- The employer or person in control of the workplace must ensure all vehicle-mounted concrete boom pump operators hold a High Risk Work Licence.
- Workers must be trained in using safe work procedures and be adequately supervised.
- SWMS to address the danger of entering the hopper, and ways to mitigate the need to enter the hopper.
- The employer should:
- Ensure all drivers/operators are adequately trained.
- SWMS are conducted and the need to enter the hopper is fully explained and understood; and
- Ensure the hopper is fitted with a secured hopper grate, or that the hopper grate is interlocked with an emergency stop button.
- A risk assessment on all tasks must be done by the employer or person in control of the workplace.
Further information
Further information can be obtained from:
- WorkSafe on 1300 307 877 or email safety@demirs.wa.gov.au
- Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (WA)
- Concrete Pumping Association of Australia