Edition 74, January 2010

New WA code for safeguarding of machinery

A new code of practice for the safeguarding of machinery and plant has been released by the Western Australian Commission for Occupational Safety and Health.

Commission Chair Tony Cooke said the code of practice aims to assist workplaces to maintain a safe working environment.

"The code explains how to ensure that machinery and plant is safely guarded so it does not pose a risk to safety and health," Mr Cooke said.

"Statistics show that around 1440 workplace injuries each year involve machinery, and that around 240 of these injuries are serious enough to result in more than 60 days off work.

"The lack of guarding on machinery is a significant cause of workplace deaths and injuries in WA, and this code aims to reduce this tragic toll."

The code applies to workplaces covered by both the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, making it applicable in almost all WA workplaces.

It sets out broad duties for employers and other people at workplaces, as well as those who design, manufacture, import or supply plant.  It provides:

  • general guidance on the identification and control of hazards and risks associated with guarding - or the lack of guarding - of machinery and plant
  • practical guidance on guarding of machinery and plant commonly found in workplaces.

The code was developed by the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mining Industry Advisory Committee, along with representatives of unions, employer organisations and government.

For more information on machinery guarding contact WorkSafe on 08 9327 8777 or visit www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

This page was generated on 29 January, 2010

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