Edition 45, June 2007

National mobile plant safety campaign

Mobile plant in the construction industry was the recent focus of a safety campaign by Australian and New Zealand workplace safety authorities.

High risk construction sites and associated road works were targeted during February and March, with workplace safety inspectors visiting more than 600 worksites across both nations.

The inspectors focused on the use of mobile plant and the adequacy of traffic control arrangements in and around work sites.  Appropriate action was taken where the safety of construction workers and members of the public was in jeopardy.

Inspectors also provided practical advice and assistance where needed.  This included the distribution of guidance material to assist employers to maintain the necessary controls needed to ensure mobile plant operators comply with the relevant safety obligations.

Working near moving plant can be a high risk activity.  It is particularly hazardous where there are people in other vehicles sharing the same site or roadway. Systems of work must ensure that nobody is at risk when working near or with moving plant. 

The campaign has been a great opportunity to remind employers and contractors of the importance of developing effective systems in a collaborative manner with their workers.

For more information on WorkCover NSW's code of practice on moving plant and industry standards on traffic control, visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or call the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50.

 

 

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