EWP incidents spark safety warning

EWP Incidents Spark Safety Warning

WorkSafe Victoria urges employers to make health and safety a priority when using elevating work platforms (EWPs), after a worker died and another sustained injuries in two separate incidents involving EWPs.

The regulator confirmed both workers were crushed, one fatally, when pinned between the EWP plant and a fixed structure. These incidents highlight the serious risk posed by this type of equipment when proper precautions are not followed.

Overhead Structures Increase Risk

WorkSafe says risk of injury increases when operators work near overhead structures such as roofs and structural beams. Hazardous conditions like these demand extra vigilance from contractors and equipment operators alike.

The safety watchdog adds that workers should always check work areas to ensure no overhead powerlines or structures pose an electrical or physical hazard. Electrical hazards near EWP equipment can escalate quickly if powerlines aren't identified before plant operation begins.

Employer Responsibilities for EWP Equipment

WorkSafe states that employers must ensure EWP equipment gets inspected before use, and operators receive adequate instruction on safe operation. This inspection requirement applies to all plant used on site, not solely EWPs.

Employers should consider the following when managing EWP-related risk:

• Confirm equipment has passed a pre-use inspection covering mechanical and electrical components
• Identify overhead hazards, including powerlines and structural beams, before plant deployment
• Verify operators hold appropriate certification for the specific equipment type
• Maintain clear communication between ground crew and platform operators during hazardous tasks

Businesses seeking guidance on managing electrical risk near elevated plant may benefit from reviewing our Electrical Safety Policy, which outlines control measures for hazardous electrical exposure on site. Our Electrical Safety Checklist - NZ also supports teams conducting pre-use inspections of electrical equipment and nearby infrastructure.

Related Safety Warnings

This isn't the first equipment-related warning issued by a safety regulator this year. Read our coverage of nail gun incidents prompting a safety warning for further insight into equipment-related risk in construction settings. Similarly, our article on powerline incidents prompting Energy Safe Victoria to issue a safety warning covers overhead electrical hazards in greater depth, while SafeWork SA is warning workers about rising electrical shock incidents on residential construction sites.

Employers wanting to strengthen workplace practices around plant and equipment can also refer to our Workplace Safety Rules - NZ for broader guidance on managing site hazards.

Access Reliable Health and Safety Services

SafetyDocs offers a range of services designed to help businesses manage risk associated with plant and equipment operation. Our services cover policy development, checklist creation, and documentation support for teams operating hazardous machinery.

For organisations that rely on EWP equipment or similar plant, comprehensive resources covering inspection protocols and operator competency can reduce the likelihood of incidents like those reported by WorkSafe. Our services extend beyond template provision, offering practical resources tailored to real workplace risk.

Need help locating the right documentation for your operation? Visit our Support page for assistance navigating our services and resources.

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