New Safety Guidance for Mobile Plant and Elevating Work Platforms

Safe Work Australia has recently released new guidance designed to improve safety outcomes for workplaces using mobile plant and elevating work platforms (EWPs). These resources focus on practical risk management and help businesses better manage hazards commonly seen on worksites.

Managing Ground Condition Risks for Mobile Plant

Ground conditions play a critical role in the safe operation of mobile plant, yet they are often underestimated. Surfaces that appear stable can hide risks such as soft ground, underground services, fill material, drainage issues or uneven terrain, all of which can contribute to incidents such as plant instability or tip-overs.

Safe Work Australia’s new interactive guidance helps workplaces better understand how ground conditions affect mobile plant safety. It encourages workers and supervisors to assess the work environment before plant is mobilised, identify potential ground-related hazards early, and apply appropriate controls. The guidance is particularly useful for roles responsible for planning work, supervising plant operations or making decisions about plant set-up on site.

By strengthening awareness of ground condition risks, businesses can reduce the likelihood of serious incidents and ensure plant is used only where conditions are suitable and properly managed.

Updated Code of Practice for Elevating Work Platforms

Safe Work Australia has also published an updated model Code of Practice for Elevating Work Platforms. This Code provides clear guidance for employers and duty holders who use, manage or control EWPs across a range of work environments.

The Code outlines common hazards associated with EWPs, including falls from height, mechanical failure, collisions and overturning. It reinforces the importance of selecting the right type of EWP for the task, ensuring operators are trained and competent, and maintaining equipment through regular inspection and servicing.

Importantly, the Code aligns with the hierarchy of control, emphasising the need to eliminate risks where possible and apply higher-level controls before relying on administrative measures or personal protective equipment. It also highlights the role of planning, supervision and ongoing risk review to ensure controls remain effective. To access the new Code Of Practice, click here.

Why This Matters for Your Workplace

Together, these updates reinforce a key safety message: good planning prevents serious incidents. Whether it’s understanding what’s beneath the ground before positioning mobile plant, or ensuring EWPs are suitable, well-maintained and operated correctly, proactive risk management is essential.

These resources support safer decision-making on site and help businesses meet their work health and safety obligations while reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage.

Practical Actions to Consider

• Review how ground conditions are assessed before mobile plant is used on site
• Reinforce pre-use checks and inspection processes for EWPs
• Confirm operators are appropriately trained and competent
• Include these topics in upcoming toolbox talks or safety meetings

Staying informed about updated safety guidance helps create safer worksites and supports continuous improvement in health and safety practices.

Sources

Elevating Work Platforms Code of Practice, December 2025

Mobile plant: New interactive guide on managing ground condition risks, 4 February 2026