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Introduction
A construction worker has been seriously injured at a major Darwin CBD development after being struck by a falling excavator bucket, prompting safety warnings from the Northern Territory’s workplace regulator. NT WorkSafe says the incident highlights ongoing risks associated with unsecured machinery attachments and poor communication on busy construction sites.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the Darwin Civic Centre development site on Harry Chan Avenue.
NT WorkSafe said the 50-year-old worker was preparing to pressure-wash an excavator when a small excavator bucket fell and struck his arm. At the time, three smaller buckets were sitting unsecured on top of the main excavator bucket.
According to the regulator, the excavator operator did not see the worker while moving the machine’s arm.
“When the operator suddenly noticed the worker, they stopped quickly. This caused the main bucket to jerk, and one of the smaller buckets fell off and struck the worker,” NT WorkSafe said.
Emergency Response
St John Ambulance NT confirmed it responded to a Triple Zero call at about 4pm.
Paramedics treated the man at the scene for a sustained arm injury before transporting him to Royal Darwin Hospital for further medical care. His injuries were described as serious.
Safety Failures Identified
NT WorkSafe identified several factors that may have contributed to the incident, including:
- no exclusion zone established around the excavator
- lack of communication between the excavator operator and the worker
- the worker standing in a blind spot of the machine
- unsecured excavator attachments placed on the main bucket
The regulator said the practice of transporting smaller attachments in a larger excavator bucket remains common across the industry, despite the risks involved.
Regulator Directions
Following the incident, NT WorkSafe issued the site with a list of required actions for change. These include:
- ensuring all excavator attachments are appropriately secured
- implementing a clear system of communication between operators and surrounding workers
- reinforcing exclusion zones around operating machinery
NT WorkSafe also reminded workers never to assume machinery operators can see them, and warned against standing under or near suspended loads due to the risk of equipment malfunction or operator error.
Company Response
In a statement, the City of Darwin said the safety of workers on site was an immediate priority for both council and construction company DCOH.
The council confirmed the contractor was cooperating fully with relevant authorities as investigations continue.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsecured equipment and blind spots on construction sites. As NT WorkSafe continues its investigation, the case underscores the importance of effective communication, exclusion zones and proper securing of attachments to prevent serious and potentially fatal injuries.