New WA code of practice on safeguarding of machinery and plant

Western Australia’s Commission for Occupational Safety and Health has released a new code of practice for the safeguarding of machinery and plant.

Commission Chair Tony Cooke said the code of practice aimed to assist workplaces to maintain a safe working environment: “The code explains how to ensure that machinery and plant is safely guarded so it does not pose a risk to safety and health.

“Statistics show that around 1440 workplace injuries each year involve machinery and that around 240 of these injuries are serious enough to result in more than 60 days off work. The lack of guarding on machinery is a significant cause of workplace deaths and injuries in WA and this code aims to reduce this tragic toll.”

The code applies to workplaces covered by both the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, making it applicable in almost all WA workplaces.

It sets out broad duties for employers and other people at workplaces, as well as those who design, manufacture, import or supply plant. It provides general guidance on the identification and control of hazards and risks associated with guarding - or the lack of guarding - of machinery and plant and practical guidance on guarding of machinery and plant commonly found in workplaces.

The code was developed by the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mining Industry Advisory Committee, along with representatives of unions, employer organisations and government.

Cooke said the Commission also took into consideration public comment submitted by industry representatives, unions, organisations and community members to ensure all views were thoroughly considered: “I strongly encourage all employers whose workplaces include machinery and plant to make copies of the new code readily available to everyone in the workplace.

“The lack of safe work methods involving machinery and plant has resulted in many tragic injuries and deaths in the past and adhering to the guidance provided in this code is a great way to minimise the risks.”