Posted on: 6 August 2025
SafeWork SA has issued a critical warning to workplaces about the severe risks posed by interactions between powered mobile plant and pedestrians.
In the past five years alone, 14 workers have died and 67 others seriously injured in South Australia due to incidents involving equipment such as forklifts, trucks, cranes, and delivery vehicles.
Alarming statistics from 2020โ2025
- ๐บ 81 serious incidents reported involving mobile plant
- ๐ง 51 struck-by incidents
- ๐๏ธ 25 linked to forklifts, 16 to vehicles, 8 to trucks, 6 to cranes
- โ ๏ธ 9 injuries from vehicle roll-aways
Industries most affected include:
- ๐ฆ Transport, Postal & Warehousing (14 incidents)
- ๐๏ธ Construction (9 incidents)
- ๐ Wholesale Trade (8 incidents)
- ๐พ Agriculture & Fishing (6 incidents)
- ๐๏ธ Retail Trade (5 incidents)
What does the law require?
Under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, businesses must eliminate or minimise risks from mobile plant. Key responsibilities include:
- โ
Consulting workers on hazards and risk controls
- โ
Providing training, supervision, and clear procedures
- โ
Ensuring all personnel understand and follow site-specific traffic management
Risk control: Practical steps to protect your people
๐ Identify Hazards
- Map out areas where mobile plant operates
- Pinpoint pedestrian interaction and collision risks
๐ซ Eliminate Risks Where Possible
- Separate pedestrian and vehicle zones with barriers
- Schedule work to avoid shared use of areas
โ๏ธ Minimise Risks with Control Measures
- Use safer alternatives (e.g. pallet jacks over forklifts)
- Install alarms, signage, bollards, and exclusion zones
- Restrict shared zones to essential personnel only
- Ensure use of high-vis clothing
- Implement roll-away prevention procedures
๐ Don't forget the paperwork
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required for all high-risk construction tasks involving mobile plant. This is a legal obligationโand a vital protection against avoidable tragedy.
How SWMS Generator can help
- โ๏ธ Create mobile plant SWMS tailored to your worksite
- โ๏ธ Ensure compliance with Australian WHS regulations
- โ๏ธ Download, sign, and share instantly with your crew
Donโt wait for an incident to act. Protect your team and meet your legal obligations today with SWMS Generator.
