Safe Work Australia (SWA) has released a new model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms. The model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) provides practical guidance to employers and other duty holders on how to manage the risks to health and safety associated with elevating work platforms.
An approved code of practice provides practical guidance on how to achieve the standards of work health and safety required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations) and effective ways to identify and manage risks.
Although Codes are intended to be read by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), providing practical guidance to PCBUs on managing health and safety risks of working with EWPs, they may also be a useful reference for other persons interested in the duties under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations and contribute to the state of knowledge around hazards and risk controls associated with EWPs.
The new model Code is designed to support employers and other duty holders in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities. It outlines:
- common risks associated with EWP use
- examples of effective control measures
- guidance on inspection, maintenance, and the proper use of EWPs.
The model Code of Practice will replace two existing guides – the guide to managing the risks of elevating work platforms and the guide to inspecting and maintaining elevating work platforms.
Over recent years there have been many avoidable injuries and deaths in Victorian workplaces where EWPs have been in use, for example WorkSafe Charges Three Companies Following Fatal EWP Crush - OHS Reps, Cormack Plumbing Fined $25k After Employee’s Throat Pinned By EWP - OHS Reps, Builder Fined $25k For EWP Power Line Incident - OHS Reps, Third Fine For Fruit Cannery Incident - OHS Reps. EWPs clearly present hazards in the workplace that in many cases are not being adequately controlled.
The new SWA Code of Practice is based on the model WHS laws – some workplaces in Victoria are covered by the model WHS laws and regulated by Comcare, for example Commonwealth Government workplaces, and some national employers such as Bank of Australia, Australia Post and Telstra. For workplaces under the jurisdiction of Victorian OHS laws you can contact WorkSafe for assistance in understanding the OHS requirements and safe work procedures that apply in the management of EWPs.
Nevertheless, this new SWA Code can serve as a valuable resource and guidance for employers, employees and HSRs in all jurisdictions when negotiating and implementing workplace safety procedures around the use of EWPs.
Download the Code here: model Code of Practice: Elevating Work Platforms