Mobile Plant and Machinery Safety

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the representative body for Ireland's construction industry focuses on five critical risks in the workplace this year for their annual safety campaign. The five critical risks are: mental health, electrical safety, heart health, working at height, and mobile plant and machinery safety. The initiative, running from October 14th to 25th, coincides with European Safety Week and aims to reduce workplace accidents and promote continual safety improvement across the industry.

One of the key aspects of the campaign is raising awareness around mobile plant and machinery safety. Emma-Jane, KTL SHEQ Advisor, shared insights explaining, “Mobile plant and machinery safety is a critical risk on all our sites due to the variety of equipment used, such as excavators, dumpers, and MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms). It’s essential that each piece of equipment is understood and that proper safety measures are in place to minimise the risks and ensure that our employees return home safely at the end of each working day.”

Understanding the risks

Mobile plant and machinery comes with their own set of hazards. According to Emma-Jane, “Unfortunately, working with vehicles remains the leading cause of work-related fatalities. In 2023 alone, there were 43 workplace fatalities, with vehicle-related incidents accounting for 13 of them. These incidents include being crushed by machinery, machinery overturning, collisions, or being struck by equipment, and falling from plant.”

The data highlights the need for stringent safety protocols on construction sites, especially regarding vehicle-related risks. Emma-Jane emphasised, “Prevention is key to ensuring a safe workplace for all staff.”

Guidelines for reducing risk

To mitigate these dangers, Emma-Jane stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for both machinery operators and nearby workers. “Pedestrians and vehicles must be able to circulate safely on site, but they should be segregated wherever possible. Pedestrian routes need to be clearly marked, and vehicle routes must have sufficient clearance from doors, gates, and other pedestrian areas. Adequate safety clearances between vehicles and people are critical in preventing accidents,” she explained.

Moreover, wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing, is crucial for those working near plant and machinery. Emma-Jane noted, “Visibility is key when working close to heavy machinery. Operators must be aware of their surroundings, and workers in the vicinity must take steps to ensure they’re easily seen.”

She also highlighted the importance of managing vehicle movement during busy times on-site, such as shift changes or break times, and ensuring there is a designated safe parking area for workers and visitors away from plant and machinery zones.

Top tips for mobile plant and machinery safety

When asked to share her top tips for ensuring safety with mobile plant and machinery, Emma-Jane outlined several crucial steps. “First, all operators must be trained and hold valid certifications, such as a CSCS card for dumpers or excavators. Competency is essential for safe operations,” she said.

Other safety measures include ensuring seatbelts are worn when provided, maintaining machinery to high standards, and conducting pre-use checks. “Operators should report defects immediately, and a GA1 form—thorough examination report—must be present on-site before using machinery,” she added.

Creating a safe working environment involves more than just competent operators. “Physical barriers should be erected to prevent unauthorised access to exclusion zones, and appropriate signage must warn of any hazards,” Emma-Jane advised. Additionally, she emphasised that PPE must be worn by everyone in the vicinity, and weather conditions should be considered before operating machinery.

Emma-Jane also urged workers to be mindful of overhead lines, which can pose a particular risk when using tall machinery, adding, “Further control measures need to be implemented in these cases.”

Emma-Jane’s advice highlights the crucial role of training, maintenance, and awareness in ensuring mobile plant and machinery safety. "Following these guidelines can make a real difference in preventing serious accidents on site,” she concluded.

To learn more about the CIF and its initiatives, visit cif.ie or if you have a query please contact a member of the KTL SHEQ team.