Shutter panel dropped whilst lifted by tower crane

Description of Incident

During the lifting of 2 stacked formwork panels by a tower crane, the lifting chains were connected to the lower panel.

As the load was being moved towards the landing area, the lower panel split, releasing the unsupported upper panel to fall approx. 10metres to the area below.

The panel fell onto a scaffold, causing severe damage to both the scaffold and formwork.

No personnel were injured.

What happened next?

• The split panels still supported by the crane were landed safely and the area was cordoned off and made safe.

• The lifting team were sent for D&A testing and stood down.

• All formwork lifting was stopped across the site until all teams were briefed on the event and relevant lifting practices

• A recovery plan was developed for the dropped panel, which was removed to a safe position for scrapping.

Good Practice Guidance

• Each lifting operation should be planned and recorded on the lift plan and risk assessment specific to the task

• Lifting operations should be appropriately supervised to ensure the lift is carried as per the plan

• Lifting operations should be carried out as per the task lift plan – if anything changes, STOP the job , revisit and update the lift plan and risk assessment as required