25.05.2009

Australian crane hirer fined

Clayton (Melbourne), Australia, based crane rental company, Huntingdale Mobile Cranes, has been fined A$70,000 after being found guilty of failing to carry out simple safety checks, which led to the death of Christos Binos.

WorkSafe Victoria, which prosecuted the case, said that Huntingdale had not checked to ensure locating pins were fitted under a concrete panel its crane had lifted into position, and had not ensured that steel support braces that support the panels were correctly positioned and locked into position.

When the braces were removed the concrete panel fell onto Binos, crushing him. WorkSafe Victoria did not allege that the safety failings directly caused the death of Binos. Huntingdale is one of three companies charged in relation to safety failings at the site in Pakenham, south east of Melbourne.