Heavy Metal Education Campaign launched to promote mobile plant safety

Heavy Metal Education Campaign Launched to Promote Mobile Plant Safety

The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has partnered with an Australian infrastructure company to launch a mobile plant safety campaign as part of National Safe Work Month.

Known as the Heavy Metal Education Campaign, this initiative aims to build awareness around risk factors linked to heavy machinery and mobile plant operation across construction sites nationwide.

Why Mobile Plant Safety Matters

Many construction workers suffer injuries while operating or working near mobile plant, including cranes, excavators and other heavy equipment. Statistics show mobile plant accounts for a significant number of work-related injuries reported to the OFSC.

Hazardous conditions around mobile plant often stem from poor visibility, inadequate exclusion zones or insufficient operator training. Crane operations, in particular, present elevated risk due to load-shifting hazards, electrical line proximity and ground stability issues. Workers engaged in earthmoving or crane-assisted tasks face compounding risk when multiple hazardous elements intersect on a single worksite. Reviewing detailed earthmoving and mobile plant safe work method statements helps crews identify these risks before work begins.

Campaign Resources and Objectives

Federal Safety Commissioner David Denney said, "The Heavy Metal initiative we're launching today features educational resources, freely available on the OFSC's website, which aim to help accredited companies raise awareness of safe working methods around mobile plant. Through raising awareness, we can help ensure everyone goes home safely every day."

These resources cover a broad range of topics, from crane safety standards to safe operating procedures near electrical infrastructure. Additional resources address hazardous material handling during earthmoving and demolition activities, giving site supervisors practical guidance they can apply immediately.

• Safe operating distances near overhead electrical lines and underground electrical services
• Crane load management and exclusion zone policy for high-risk lifting tasks
• Pre-operational checks for mobile plant, including telehandlers and heavy vehicles
• Reporting protocols aligned with workplace risk management policy across Australian job sites

Supporting Safer Work Practices Nationwide

Australian construction companies can strengthen their own risk controls by pairing the OFSC's resources with site-specific documentation. For example, our heavy vehicles service maintenance SWMS outlines procedures for maintaining mobile plant safely, reducing electrical fault risk and preventing mechanical failure during servicing.

Operators working around cranes and electrical infrastructure should also consult mobile plant attachment SWMS templates, which detail safe attachment procedures and load-handling protocols for various equipment types.

For further guidance on minimising injury risk, read our related article on 10 mobile plant safety tips to minimise the risk of injury. WorkSafe has also previously issued reminders on this topic, covered in our piece titled WorkSafe issues mobile plant safety reminder.

Similar state-based efforts have emerged elsewhere, including a roadworks safety campaign launched in Tasmania, reflecting a broader national push toward reducing hazardous incidents involving heavy equipment.

Companies seeking to manage compliance documentation and safety records more efficiently may also benefit from exploring dedicated safety software solutions.

Learn more about the Heavy Metal Education Campaign here.