13.01.2009

Operator crushed by loader crane boom

A man loading waste bins in Evatt, Canberra, Australia died yesterday after he was crushed between the boom of a loader crane and the truck chassis.

The 57 year old man was lifting a full bin, when according to a witness, the boom swung around and pinned him against the truck. He died at the scene. His colleague was unharmed but traumatised.

It is not known if the boom slew activated due to a fault, or if the operator made an error - slewing too fast while he was located in a poor position.

ACT police and ACT WorkCover inspectors are investigating the incident.