A Victorian steel fabrication company has agreed to invest nearly $170,000 in health and safety improvements following a serious crane incident at its Corio factory. 

Geelong Magistrates' Court has been informed that Thornton Engineering Australia Pty Ltd,  has entered into an Enforceable Undertaking after facing several charges.

The charges include allowing an employee to conduct high-risk work without the necessary licence, failing to provide and maintain safe work systems, neglecting to notify WorkSafe of the incident, and not preserving the incident site.

The charges stem from an incident in August 2022 when a worker was directed to use two unsynchronised overhead gantry cranes to lift and rotate a 30-tonne steel frame. 

As the frame was being hoisted, it overbalanced, toppled, and hit a wall, causing damage to the cranes and endangering the worker. 

Notably, the worker did not hold the required rigging licence and had no documented procedure, drawings, or written plans to guide the task.

WorkSafe alleged that Thornton Engineering could have reasonably ensured that workers were appropriately licensed and that documented plans and procedures were in place for such tasks. 

Additionally, WorkSafe noted that the company failed to notify the agency after the incident and did not preserve the scene for inspectors.

Under the Enforceable Undertaking, Thornton Engineering is committed to several specific actions, estimated to cost $168,900, including hosting two industry forums for students at the Geelong Tech School to educate future trade workers.

It has also been ordered to create a comprehensive guidance manual on developing lifting plans specifically for steel fabrication.

The deal should also see the company upgrade existing gantry cranes for automated synchronisation and training workers in their use at the Corio site.

It has agreed to upgrade its technology to allow factory workers and contractors to access online Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and lifting plans.

Additionally, the company will donate $25,000 to the Geelong Tech School to support specialty programs.

“It is pleasing to see that this company has since agreed to commit to important safety improvements in its own workplace, as well as supporting students and others in the industry to operate safely,” said WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin.