Worker run over by crane in South East Queensland

A man has been flown to hospital with leg injuries after a crane incident in South East Queensland, raising fresh safety concerns for crane operations across the state.

Worker Run Over by Crane in South East Queensland: What We Know

The man, aged in his 40s, was run over by a crane at a work site in Bromelton. He suffered leg injuries during the incident, which happened on Wednesday morning.

He is currently undergoing treatment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital following the crane incident. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in Queensland, including a case where a worker was flown to hospital after being run over by a tractor on a Queensland farm.

Why Crane Safety Remains a Critical Risk Area

Incidents involving heavy machinery highlight ongoing risk factors present on construction and industrial sites throughout Australia. Cranes pose significant hazards when safety protocols aren't followed consistently, particularly around exclusion zones and pedestrian traffic.

Sites managing mobile plant equipment must prioritise safety measures that reduce risk to personnel working near moving machinery. This includes clear signage, trained spotters, and strict adherence to safe work method statements.

Common Risk Factors in Crane-Related Incidents

• Poor visibility around blind spots during crane operation
• Inadequate exclusion zones separating personnel from moving equipment
• Insufficient communication between ground crew and machinery operators
• Lack of consistent risk assessments before work commences

Strengthening Safety Practices on Site

Businesses operating cranes should review their crane safe work method statements regularly to ensure risk controls remain current and effective. Regular safety audits combined with proper training help minimise the risk of injury for everyone on site.

Other recent incidents in South East Queensland, including a man fatally crushed by a tractor and a separate case where a man was killed in a trailer incident, reinforce the need for robust safety systems across rural and industrial worksites.

Employers can also strengthen accountability by maintaining thorough worker contractor manuals and up-to-date agreements, such as a worker agreement policy, to support clear safety expectations across all personnel on site.

Source: Seven News.