12.07.2011

Crane banksman crushed

A crane slinger/signaller/banksman died earlier today in an accident in Karratha, Western Australia.

The 43 year-old was crushed by a large concrete soakwell lid which is said to have been dropped from a height of around 15 metres by the crane he was working with at the Pelago West apartment development in Karratha, in Western Australia’s Pilbara mining region.

Worksafe WA rushed to the scene and is investigating the incident with developers Finbar and Hanssen Pty, the contractors. It is not known what type of crane was involved or who owned it. Operations at the site have been suspended, while counselling is arranged for the many people that witnessed the event.

Finbar group's managing director Darren Pateman said: "Finbar will ensure full cooperation with police and WorkSafe in any investigation of the unfortunate accident which occurred today. Until further details of the incident are known, Finbar will not be able to make any comment about the incident itself. The accident is a tragedy and our company extends its sincere condolences to the deceased worker’s family."