Working around heavy machinery and mobile plant is one of the most dangerous aspects of construction. Mobile plant, such as forklifts, elevating work platforms (EWP), earth moving equipment, cranes and pumps, have the potential to seriously injure or kill people. In the decade from 2007-2017, a total of 16 people in Australia died as a result of an accident with a mobile plant.

The high-risk nature of working with and around mobile plant means that you as an employer should spend some extra time reviewing and assessing safety before any work begins. This preparation work can include, but is not limited to, asking the following questions:

Plant safety

• Is the plant appropriate for the task?
• Is the plant set up correctly?
• Is there appropriate guarding and/or fall protection in place?
• Has the plant been inspected, maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations?
• Does the plant have the necessary emergency stop and warning systems in place?

Documentation and public safety

• Have the appropriate SWMSs been developed, reviewed, updated and communicated to the relevant people?
• Where required, have traffic management plans been developed, reviewed, updated and communicated?
• Have I considered all external factors that may impact safe movement of plant, including delivery times of materials and related traffic hazards?
• Are mobile plants working in isolation and on a safe distance from employees and members of the public (pedestrians/ cyclists/ motorists) at all times?
• Do I have appropriate signage  and barriers in place where required?
• Have I considered things like exclusion zones for overhead power lines and underground assets?
• Are ground conditions suitable to safely support the plant being setup or used?

Operation safety

• Are those operating the plant appropriately trained and competent for the type of plant and where required, have the appropriate high risk work licence?
• Have my employees been provided with any necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to safely operate or work near powered mobile plant?

Construction work involving any movement of powered mobile plant is considered high risk construction work (HRCW), you as an employer must ensure that a safe work method statement (SWMS) has been developed. Naturally, you must also oversee that the work that is being carried out on your site is done so in accordance with this SWMS.

As always, you must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult with relevant staff members, contractors and health and safety representatives whenever you identify or assess hazards and risks, and when you determine or review risk controls.