SafeWork SA advises businesses to exercise caution in light of an increase in machine guarding notices

SafeWork SA Advises Businesses to Exercise Caution in Light of an Increase in Machine Guarding Notices

A surge in reports of safety violations related to machine guarding has prompted SafeWork SA to deliver a warning to businesses across the state.

During the initial four weeks of the 2024/25 fiscal year, SafeWork SA issued a total of 29 notices for this specific breach, a stark contrast to the 120 notices issued throughout the preceding fiscal year.

Why Machine Guarding Matters for Workplace Safety

SafeWork SA says machine guarding remains necessary to safeguard workers from dangers like moving components, airborne debris and ejected materials. These hazards can arise across manufacturing, construction and mechanical plant operations, where unguarded equipment poses ongoing risk to personnel.

The regulatory authority advises companies that disabling safety features, including machine interlocks, and removing guards may result in grave outcomes. Such actions represent a serious infringement of health and safety regulations, and management teams within industry sectors are urged to review compliance immediately.

Common Hazards Linked to Machine Guarding Breaches

Effective guarding protects staff from several hazardous conditions, including:

• Moving parts on plant and equipment that can cause serious injury
• Ejected materials or airborne debris during operation
• Electrical hazards where exposed wiring or components sit near operating machinery
• Entanglement risks from conveyors, transport systems and rotating plant

Industry sectors relying on heavy plant, transport equipment and electrical machinery face heightened exposure to these risks. Management personnel should treat guarding as a core safety obligation rather than an optional measure.

What Businesses Should Do Now

To reduce risk and support ongoing safety performance, businesses should:

• Conduct regular inspections of plant and electrical systems to confirm guards remain functional
• Ensure interlocks and other safety mechanisms are never bypassed during production or transport tasks
• Train management and floor staff on identifying hazardous conditions before they escalate
• Document compliance procedures through a structured machine guarding management plan

Industry operators managing multiple sites should reinforce these safety practices consistently, particularly where plant, transport and electrical equipment interact on a single worksite.

SafeWork SA's warning echoes recent alerts from other regulators. SafeWork SA has previously urged machinery operators to take similar precautions, as outlined in SafeWork SA's guidance on exercising caution around powerlines. Comparable safety messaging has also been issued in the transport sector, detailed in the NHVR's advice to drivers during winter conditions.

Businesses operating machinery, plant or electrical systems across multiple regions, including New Zealand workplaces, should apply consistent guarding standards to meet local safety expectations and reduce industry-wide risk.

Read more here.