Shutter panel dropped whilst lifted by tower crane

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.