Bridge and Gantry Crane Incidents Highlight Workplace Safety Concerns

Incident Overview

Two serious incidents involving overhead cranes in warehouse settings have been reported, occurring in September and October 2023. In the first incident, a bundle of steel lengths weighing over one tonne fell from a bridge crane, striking two workers. In the second, a gantry crane wheel struck a worker operating a jackhammer near the crane’s rail system, causing serious leg and foot injuries.

Both incidents have prompted investigations to identify underlying causes and safety lapses in crane operations and workplace protocols.

Site and Time

Both incidents occurred inside warehouse facilities. The first incident took place in September 2023 when a steel bundle fell during a lifting operation. The second incident occurred in October 2023 when a gantry crane became active near a worker using a jackhammer.

Persons Involved

Workers Injured (September 2023)

• Two young workers — one struck directly by the falling bundle, one injured while assisting

Worker Injured (October 2023)

• One worker operating a jackhammer near the gantry crane’s rail system

Plant and Task

Plant (September 2023)

• Make/Model: Bridge crane (overhead travelling crane)
• Load: Steel bundle lengths, over one tonne in weight

Task (September 2023)

• Moving a bundle of steel lengths using the bridge crane; lifting chain slipped off one end of the bundle during the operation

Plant (October 2023)

• Make/Model: Gantry crane

Task (October 2023)

• Worker operating a jackhammer near the crane’s rail system when the crane became active

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• September 2023: Two workers injured by falling steel bundle (one direct strike, one secondary injury)
• October 2023: One worker sustained serious leg and foot injuries from gantry crane wheel impact

Investigation Underway

Initial investigations have been commenced to understand the underlying causes of both incidents. The focus has been on the operational protocols of dual hoist bridge cranes, the integrity of lifting chains and load securing methods, and situational awareness of workers in proximity to active crane areas.

Broader Context

These incidents highlight the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment checks, and comprehensive training for workers operating or working near heavy machinery such as bridge and gantry cranes. The accidents serve as a reminder of the potential hazards present in industrial and warehouse settings and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.

In Summary

Workers, supervisors or other persons with information about either of these incidents are encouraged to contact the relevant state workplace health and safety regulator. Any observations regarding crane maintenance, load-securing practices, or safety protocols in the affected warehouses should be reported to assist ongoing investigations.