Safe Work Australia updates model Code of Practice for managing risks of plant in the workplace

Safe Work Australia Updates Model Code of Practice for Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace

Safe Work Australia has released an updated model Code of Practice for managing the risks of plant in the workplace. This revised guide helps businesses address hazards linked to mobile plant and heavy equipment across construction, manufacturing and other high-risk sectors.

The updated code now includes guidance on control measures to prevent roll-aways, including parking on a level surface where possible and using wheel chocks, Safe Work Australia says.

What Changed in the Updated Guide

Roll-aways can happen with cars, trucks, tractors, trailers, utes and forklifts. Each type of equipment carries its own set of risks, so tailored controls matter for every piece of mobile equipment used on site.

Vehicle roll-aways remain a common cause of injuries and fatalities in Australian workplaces, according to Safe Work Australia. The revised guide gives businesses practical steps for reducing these incidents through better planning and equipment maintenance.

Why This Update Matters for Safety Professionals

Managing plant hazards effectively requires more than compliance on paper. Technical teams responsible for equipment operation should treat this guide as a working reference, not a one-off checklist.

Key focus areas in the updated code include:

• Parking mobile equipment on level ground wherever practicable
• Fitting and using wheel chocks as standard practice
• Reviewing plant design features that reduce roll-away risk
• Applying consistent controls across forklifts, trucks, tractors and trailers

These measures build on existing safety risks frameworks already familiar to most workplaces running heavy equipment fleets.

Related Resources for Managing Plant and Equipment Risks

Businesses looking to strengthen their broader safety systems can also review related guidance, such as Safe Work Australia's draft model Code of Practice for Managing Fatigue Risks, its Code of Practice addressing silica dust risks, and the Model Code of Practice for tower cranes.

For sites operating mobile plant, pairing this guide with a documented Mobile Plant (Attachments) Safe Work Method Statement or an Earthmoving & Mobile Plant SWMS supports consistent risk controls on the ground. Teams handling loads manually alongside equipment operations may also benefit from a Manual Handling SWMS, while service crews should consider a Mobile Plant (Service Vehicle) SWMS for maintenance-related tasks.

Access the Updated Code of Practice

Read the updated model Code of Practice on managing the risks of plant in the workplace directly through Safe Work Australia. Businesses should review this guide alongside their existing procedures to confirm equipment-related controls remain current and fit for purpose.