Two tradies got the fright of their lives in Newcastle’s CBD this morning, when the cherry picker they were working in tipped.
The men were stranded several metres up but were eventually rescued unscathed.
Two tradies got the fright of their lives in Newcastle’s CBD this morning, when the cherry picker they were working in tipped.
The men were stranded several metres up but were eventually rescued unscathed.
Yet another reason why rope access is the answer. Safer, cheaper and no holes to drive into.
Nothing wrong with Powered Access, just the calibre and quality of some of the operators! Wrong machine for the job, no prior planning, didn’t walk the route to check for hazards, working on an incline should of used chocks or opted for a machine fitted with outriggers. Were two men needed in the platform, could one of stayed on the ground to act as banksman, second pair of eyes and ears? Was the area cordoned off prior to the incident or only when the emergency services arrived?
Probable cause of incident, go cheap with ‘just’ enough reach on the machine to reach the job, but this necessatates it continually being moved forward on its base. Operator gets bored having to keep lowering and lifting it, so far easier to ‘drive’ it forward when it is elevated. Oops didn’t see that inspection cover on the pavement until it was too late, seven and a half tons comes crashing down.
One of the men was quoted as saying: … “I wasn’t looking at the ground!”
Well if you had of been you would have seen the inspection cover. They are lucky to get away with their lives on this occasion but luck runs out. Machines aren’t fitted with a brain so i’ts a good idea to take along your own!