Photos: George Tsotsos.
WorkSafe ACT is investigating a work safety incident on Mort Street, Braddon after a concrete panel fell for nearly 20 metres at a construction site, crushing a small toilet block and a car parked nearby.
The incident occurred around 11 am this morning (30 January) at the site of the Yamaroshi apartment complex, which is currently under construction at 32 Mort Street. The panel had been temporarily installed and was in the process of permanent fixing when it became dislodged and fell.
The 3.7-tonne panel, which fell close to 20 metres, crushed a toilet block at the back of the Braddon Smash Repairs along with a car parked close by.
The site, currently cordoned off.
Mort Street in the city, bound between Cooyong Street and Elouera Street still remains closed for emergency service vehicles working in the area. WorkSafe ACT has also placed an exclusion zone around the site while investigations take place.
A prohibition notice and a non-disturbance notice had been placed on the construction site while the investigation is underway. WorkSafe ACT commissioner Greg Jones said thankfully no one was injured from the “significant incident”.
“We are investigating to make sure there aren’t any bonds of asbestos in that amenities block, given the age of the block,” he said. “We are also getting some structural engineerings advice on how we can safely remove the cement panel, taking into account that it may have been damaged from the fall.
“We have received advice that the other panels are safe on the site however we will keep the non-disturbance notice in place until the inspectors conclude their work in obtaining evidence on this incident.”
WorkSafe ACT said the smash repair workshop and Officeworks are currently closed due to the exclusion zone.
“We want to make sure the existing panels on the construction site are safe and see if the asbestos in the area is safe. We will reopen the smash repair yard as soon as we can,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Jones said he expects the road to stay closed for several hours and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area at this time.
ACT Fire & Rescue are assisting WorkSafe ACT at an incident.
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