SafeWork implementing compliance campaign focused on mobile plants, machinery, and vehicles

SafeWork NSW is running a targeted compliance campaign across the state, aiming to cut workplace injuries linked to mobile plant, fixed machinery, and vehicles. Inspectors have already issued over 140 notices as part of this safework campaign, with forklift-related breaches making up the bulk of enforcement action so far.

Many notices address risk management gaps such as pedestrian separation, rollover and collision prevention, plus equipment maintenance and inspection. These are the same hazardous conditions that frequently contribute to serious injuries involving moving plant and stationary machinery alike.

Critical Risk Areas Under Review

According to SafeWork NSW, inspectors are prioritising several critical risks during this compliance campaign, including:

• Maintaining safe separation between workers and machinery
• Restricting access to moving parts and hazardous zones
• Preventing rollover incidents involving mobile plant
• Verifying appropriate training and licensing are in place

These focus areas reflect long-standing safety concerns tied to mobile plant and heavy vehicle service maintenance, where inadequate controls can quickly escalate into serious incidents.

Why This Compliance Campaign Matters

Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW, notes being struck by moving machinery or vehicles, along with injuries sustained while working near stationary machinery, remain avoidable risks evident across the State and throughout every industry.

“SafeWork NSW inspectors will educate workplaces they visit regarding safe practices but will not accept workers' lives being placed at risk, and can issue on-the-spot fines for serious safety breaches,” Trent said.

This approach mirrors similar enforcement efforts seen interstate, including SafeWork SA's compliance campaign targeting childcare centres and schools and its parallel compliance campaign addressing construction falls, both of which highlight a growing national emphasis on proactive risk controls rather than reactive penalties.

Forklift Safety Remains a Key Focus

Forklift operations continue to generate a disproportionate share of enforcement notices, largely due to recurring issues with pedestrian exclusion, load handling, and electrical system checks on powered equipment.

Workplaces relying heavily on mobile plant should review their electrical safety procedures alongside mechanical controls, since electrical faults combined with mechanical failure can compound risk during routine operation. Regular electrical testing, paired with documented safe work procedures, helps reduce hazardous outcomes before they escalate into notifiable incidents.

Supporting Safer Workplaces Across Australia

Health and safety outcomes improve when businesses pair enforcement awareness with practical resources. Reviewing existing safe work method statements, particularly those covering tipper and dog operations or falls from heavy vehicles, gives supervisors a practical starting point for closing gaps identified during inspections.

Health and safety representatives play a valuable role here too, helping ensure workers understand exclusion zones, hazardous energy controls, and the standards expected of licensed operators before machinery starts moving.

Businesses wanting to stay ahead of SafeWork's ongoing compliance campaign can also explore updated resources and events, including the Workplace Health and Safety Show, where practical safety strategies for managing mobile plant, machinery, and vehicle risk are shared across various industries.

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