Managing risks

You must design, manufacture and supply plant that is safe and provide information on how to use it safely. 

The best time to eliminate hazards and minimise risks with plant is during its design. 

Managing risks in plant design, manufacture, import and supply 

You should consider hazards and risks in manufacturing supplying and using plant. 

Think about every stage of the plant’s life and eliminate or minimise risks in each of the following processes: 

• manufacture 

• transport 

• storage 

• installation, commissioning and operation 

• inspection, maintenance and repair 

• decommissioning, dismantling and disposal.  

Designers should think about WHS risk management when designing plant. This involves: 

• deciding the plant’s intended use, functions and limitations 

• identifying hazards 

• assessing and controlling risks, including through researching and consulting. 

Hazards with plant 

Risks with plant come from hazards such as: 

• manual handling 

• noise 

• scaffolding 

• confined spaces. 

Hazards with moving plant 

There is a high risk of serious injury and death with plant that moves, such as: 

• cranes 

• quad bikes 

• forklifts 

• elevating work platforms. 

Common risks include: 

• the plant overturning 

• things falling on the operator of the plant 

• the operator being ejected from the plant 

• the plant colliding with any person or thing. 

The interactive guide on managing the risks associated with ground conditions is aimed at those who operate, work with, or hire mobile plant, and employers of workers who work with mobile plant.

Identifying new hazards 

A manufacturer may identify new hazards in a plant design.  

If the design does not provide a control measure for this new hazard, the manufacturer must: 

• not incorporate that hazard into the plant during manufacture 

• notify the designer in writing of the hazard as soon as possible 

• try to consult with the designer of the plant. 

The designer must alter the design to eliminate or minimise risk. If they do not change the design, they must inform the manufacturer of their reasons.  

Control measures with plant 

Designers have duties to design certain control measures, including: 

• guarding 

• operational controls 

• emergency stop controls 

• warning devices. 

Manufacturers also have duties with manufacturing and installing guarding. 

The model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace has more information about control measures for plant.