Safe interaction with mobile plant and fixed machinery continues to be a major focus across construction, infrastructure, and heavy industry. With the high-risk nature of these environments, managing safety isn't optional, it's essential to keeping projects running and workers protected.
‍

Across Australia, regulators are stepping up attention on this issue. In New South Wales, a recent SafeWork campaign is shining a light on how easily incidents can occur without the right training, equipment, or systems in place. The message is clear: safe work around mobile plants is a shared responsibility and there’s no room for shortcuts.
‍

Common risks and how they arise

The risks linked to mobile plant and fixed machinery are often preventable, but they can escalate quickly when basic safeguards are missing. Some of the key issues include:

• Inadequate guarding or isolation procedures during maintenance

• Poor visibility and blind spots around vehicles

• Unintended start-up during servicing

• Lack of accessible emergency stops or warning systems

• Gaps in training or supervision
  ‍

These types of hazards can threaten safety, delay projects, damage equipment, and erode trust on-site.
‍

Proactive safety backed by standards

Standards can support a shift in focus from reacting to incidents to preventing them. The AS 4024, Safety of machinery series is used to support safe machinery design, operation, and maintenance. It covers essential elements like guarding, emergency stops, and control systems, giving teams a solid framework to identify and manage risks across the machinery lifecycle.

Henrietta Tan, Engagement Manger at Standards Australia says, “Standards create a clear and practical structure for identifying hazards and managing them. With the right tools, workplaces can act early and stay ahead of risk.”
‍

Turning guidance into action

Alongside standards, SafeWork NSW’s Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace outlines practical steps for creating safer work environments. It promotes a methodical approach to plant safety, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and controlling them effectively.

Some of the key actions include:

• Installing and maintaining guarding to prevent contact with moving parts

• Ensuring controls are intuitive and can’t be accidentally triggered

• Positioning emergency stops so they’re always in reach

• Using visual and audible warnings to signal movement or faults

• Isolating power sources during maintenance to prevent unexpected start-up
  ‍

Building safer, more efficient sites

Embedding these practices into day-to-day operations can help reduce downtime, avoid costly incidents, and build confidence across teams. When standards and safety systems are in place, worksites can support obligations and become predictable and productive.

By prioritising mobile plant safety, sites can help reduce avoidable harm, keep projects moving, and strengthen a culture that protects everyone on the ground.

The AS 4024 series is available from the Standards Australia Store and our distribution partners.

‍