SafeWork SA has committed to a second round of statewide compliance audits on mobile elevating work platforms commencing this week, for a period of three months.
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) can be used to control the risks to workers posed by working at heights. However, there is an increased risk of crush injury to workers operating from within a MEWP work basket.
Following audits in 2019, inspectors will again be visiting workplaces across a range of industries including mining, construction, manufacturing, retail and transport.
SafeWork SA Executive Director, Martyn Campbell said mobile elevating work platforms pose significant risk to workers.
“Our inspectors will be ensuring MEWPs are properly maintained and tested, and that workplaces have appropriate systems in place to reduce the risk of injury to workers,” said Mr Campbell.
2019 Audit on MEWPs
From 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019 SafeWork SA undertook a compliance program focused on MEWPs following a series of fatal and serious incidents between 2014 and 2018.
SafeWork SA conducted 336 site visits and 261 compliance audits at this time.
“A total of 87 statutory notices were issued in response to non-compliance during the 2019 audit with construction and manufacturing industries receiving the highest number of notices.
Our commitment to undertake a follow-up compliance audit is ensuring compliance is maintained and that businesses and operators understand their responsibility in ensuring their own safety and the safety of co-workers” said Mr Campbell.
Results of the 2019 audit is available in the elevating work platforms audit report 2019.
New resource
A new guideline for mobile elevating work platforms to assist PCBUs, workers and self-employed persons understand and control identified hazards and risks associated with the safe use of MEWPs is available on the SafeWork SA website.
Information has been included to provide guidance on ground support personnel during operation of a MEWP.
“It is crucial to ensure the operator of a MEWP is properly trained and competent in its use as the controls can vary across different manufacturers.
The SafeWork SA guideline clearly stipulates the minimum standards of training required, along with a checklist to ensure the training requirements have been met,” said Mr Campbell.
Printed copies of the guideline are available to order online.
Further advice for safe use of MEWPs is available by contacting our Help Centre on 1300 365 255 and asking to speak to one of our friendly workplace advisors.
Further information
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Code of Practice
Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia
AS 1418.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Mobile elevating work platforms
AS 2550.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use, Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms