Heavy lift failure at Browse Basin gas project

SOURCE: SAFE TO WORK

Northern Territory Worksafe are investigating a lifting accident at the INPEX Browse Basin construction project at Blaydin Point.

Heavy lift contractor Mammoet was performing a dual crane lift of a 60 tonne heating stack when the load dropped 40 metres to the ground.

No one was injured, however  Nine News reported  that management for contractor JKC tried to keep the accident "under wraps" after they received a leaked daily safety document which stated there was to be no photography of the site, which would "be enforced".

INPEX said the exhaust stack fell "a short distance" and that NT Worksafe were investigating the incident.

Rumours on Facebook say the lifting lugs broke off, an occurrence which would suggest poor workmanship in fabrication and failure to conduct thorough inspections of the lift.