The absence of a mandatory safe work method for concrete workers on-site has resulted in major injuries for a worker and a huge fine for the concrete company involved.
During the incident in South Australia in 2021, a 21 year-old worker was thrown against a fence after being struck by concrete from an out-of-control hose. This resulted in internal bleeding, a tear to the small bowel, and bruising to the duodenum and colon, requiring an induced coma and surgery and a two-week stay at Royal Adelaide Hospital.
SafeWork SA stated that after the company had pumped concrete to the rear of a house, three workers were attempting to clean residual concrete from the hose with air pressure and a foam ball. Each worker held a section, creating a kink to control the remaining air pressure as excess concrete was released, however, they were unaware that air pressure was continuing to build up in the hose. When a kink was released, the hose began to whip around, causing one worker to lose control of the hose, resulting in his injuries.
While the crew supervisor had briefed the workers before the start of the job, there was no “Safe Work Method Statement for the task,” which Safe Work SA said is a requirement for high-risk construction work.
Following an investigation, Borelli Concrete Pumping was charged with a category 2 offence against the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 for failing to comply with its health and safety duty. A conviction was recorded and the company was fined $72,000 plus a contribution to legal costs and a Victims of Crime levy. Borelli had supported the worker and upgraded its systems since the incident.
Hose whipping is a serious risk, view SafeWork SA’s page on concrete hose whipping.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com