There have been 15 worker deaths in the construction industry as of 2 July 2020 according to Safe Work Australia’s preliminary worker deaths year-to-date. Working with plant on construction sites is one of many tasks that needs to be practiced with caution and for workers to remain on high alert for their own safety and those around them.

Mobile plant movement in close proximity to pedestrians (whether workers or the public) is a high-risk activity. Reversing plant in particular, has been responsible for many fatalities and serious injuries in construction work around Australia.

Persons in control of the workplace should select the most effective control measures based on a risk assessment. Employers and persons in control of the workplace should also be knowledgeable of the mobile plant controls on site in reducing the risk.

Working with mobile plant along with other key tasks related to the construction industry should be regularly revised in relation to safety and best practice methods. In doing so, the construction industry can remain in a position where injuries and fatalities are reduced and workers return home safe and unharmed.

To assist, Pro-Visual Publishing in conjunction with the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF), the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) Foundation, the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) and the Australian Contractors Association (ACA) have recently published the 2020/21 edition of the VIC Construction Site Safety Guide.

The Guide provides further detailed information on working with mobile plant along with other key safety issues prevalent to the industry.

The Guide is a 1m² poster, distributed free of charge to the Victorian construction industry and features AR capabilities, allowing the Guide to become digitally interactive. By downloading the free Pro-Vis AR app, workers can use their smart device to scan any AR capable content to access additional resources straight to their smart device.