WorkSafe WA issues reminder on mobile plant safety following two fatal incidents

WorkSafe WA issues reminder on mobile plant safety following two fatal incidents after tragic incidents in WA workplaces last week, prompting the regulator to urge employers to carefully assess their safety procedures regarding mobile plant.

In summary, two fatal incidents occurred last week involving mobile plant, and WorkSafe is now investigating both events while calling on businesses to strengthen their mobile plant management practices.

What Happened in the Two Fatal Incidents

Two fatal workplace incidents occurred this week in O'Connor and Dalwallinu, both involving mobile plant operations. WorkSafe says it is probing both incidents to determine if any violations of work health and safety regulations have occurred, and to uncover factors that led to these tragic outcomes.

Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive review of safety procedures in light of these incidents.

"The incidents on Wednesday in O'Connor and Dalwallinu are a tragic reminder of the risks associated with operating mobile plant in workplaces," Ms North said.

Why Mobile Plant Management Matters for Worker Safety

Strong mobile plant management remains critical for preventing injuries and fatalities across WA workplaces. Poor management of plant hazards can quickly turn routine tasks into life-threatening situations for any worker nearby.

Employers carry responsibility under work health legislation to identify hazards, implement controls, and maintain robust management systems for mobile plant operations. Effective management involves several key elements, including:

• Regular risk assessments identifying mobile plant hazards specific to each site
• Clear management protocols for plant operation, maintenance, and exclusion zones
• Comprehensive worker training on safe operating procedures
• Ongoing supervision and monitoring of high-risk tasks involving mobile plant

Businesses operating earthmoving equipment, telehandlers, or mini loaders should review their telehandler SWMS and mini loader SWMS documentation to confirm current hazards and controls remain accurate and enforceable on site.

Steps Employers Should Take Now

WA employers should act promptly rather than wait for further guidance from regulators. Consider these practical management actions:

• Audit existing safe work method statements covering mobile plant and attachments
• Confirm exclusion zones and traffic management plans address identified hazards
• Verify workers hold appropriate competencies before operating mobile plant
• Review incident reporting processes to capture near misses before they escalate

Companies using mobile plant attachments face additional hazards requiring specific management controls, particularly around load stability and operator visibility.

Digital tools such as safety software can support ongoing management of inspections, training records, and hazard reporting across multiple sites, giving safety teams better visibility over plant-related risks.

Learning From Previous Incidents

These fatal incidents follow a troubling pattern seen in previous WorkSafe investigations into fatal workplace incidents, including a similar safety reminder issued after two farmers sustained fatal injuries entering a moving tractor.

Each case underscores the same lesson: consistent management of mobile plant hazards, backed by proper training and documentation, remains essential to protecting workers across construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

Read more here.