Alert: Concrete pump truck mechanical failure
Concrete pumping truck suppliers/owners must perform manufacturer’s service alerts to prevent hazards to workers.
Issued on May 6, 2021
Hazard summary
Workers who work in the vicinity of concrete pump trucks are at risk if the equipment collapses or overturns.
A 2008 KCP concrete pump truck, model KCP52ZX200, in operation at a construction project in Ontario upset due to a structural failure. The front right outrigger collar plate fractured while the truck boom was fully extended, causing the truck to tip over.
It was noted that an extension hose was added to the boom of the concrete pump truck in excess of the manufacturer’s manual recommendations.
A previous incident in another province occurred with a similar make and model of concrete pump, resulting in a fatal injury of a worker.
Key legal requirements
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), employers have general duties, including the duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from exposure to hazards. This includes removing equipment from service when recommended by the manufacturer until appropriate repairs, modifications and/or updates are completed.
Suppliers must ensure that concrete pump trucks are in good condition and comply with the OHSA and regulations.
Workplace parties must ensure concrete pump trucks are:
- maintained in a condition that doesn’t endanger a worker
- used in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating manual
- inspected by competent worker for hazards and to ensure it can handle rated capacities
- Inspections shall be performed before the concrete pump truck is first used at the project and thereafter at least once a year or more frequently as recommended by the manufacturer.
Workplace parties must ensure a concrete pump truck is not used:
- while it is defective or hazardous
- when the weather or other conditions are such that its use is likely to endanger a worker
- while it is being repaired or serviced, unless the repair or servicing requires that it be operated
Every replacement part for a concrete pump truck shall have at least the same safety factor as the part it is replacing.
No modification to, extension to, repair to or replacement of a part of concrete pump truck shall result in a reduction of the safety factor of the equipment.
No worker shall operate a concrete pump truck at a project unless he or she is competent to do so. However, a worker being trained in the operation of a concrete pump truck may operate it while being instructed and supervised by a competent person.
Read Ontario Regulation 213/91 – Construction Projects, sections 93-96 for information.
Manufacturer recommendations
KCP Concrete Pumps advised customers that all 2008 KCP52ZX200 concrete pump trucks be put out of service until customers install the necessary reinforcement plate. Customers must confirm with KCP once the plate is installed.
The reinforcement plate supports outrigger weight and prevents the upper side outrigger box from bending down.
Precautions to consider
Owners of concrete pump trucks should:
- register their equipment with the manufacturer or authorized distributor dealer to receive any service updates, recalls or advisories
- ensure a competent worker completes the service bulletin, advisory and maintenance updates that the manufacturer recommends
- not add modifications or additional hoses to the end of the concrete pump truck boom unless the manufacturer permits it
Contact us
If you need more information about safety requirements, please contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Health & Safety Contact Centre at
This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the law based on the facts in the workplace.