Worker ejected from telehandler

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

Employers and self-employed persons are required to control the risk associated with mobile plant (including telehandlers), including the risk of operators being ejected from mobile plant such as telehandlers. Before operating powered mobile plant, the person with management or control of it must ensure:

• the mobile plant selected is right for the task and is fitted with suitable safety features (e.g. rear-view mirrors and reversing warning device)
• the design and implementation of a traffic management plan, including identifying suitable exclusion zones and communicating these to workers and other persons in the vicinity before tasks are carried out
• the use of a spotter where required, including suitable means of communication between the spotter and operator (e.g. two-way radio) to assist with the safe movement of the plant, particularly where there may be blind spots or other workers in the vicinity
• ground conditions and the intended travel pathway have been inspected and assessed to identify any problem areas e.g. sloping ground
• there is adequate lighting to safely operate the plant
• if outdoors, the effect of adverse weather conditions, such as reduced visibility has been considered
• any workers around the mobile plant are aware of operator blind spots and exclusion zones
• a suitable combination of operator protective devices for the plant is provided
• the manufacturer's operating instructions have been read and are followed. For older items of mobile plant where operating instructions are not available, operational procedures and instructions for use should be developed by a competent person.
• each operators manual for specific plant will be different, and the gradient will be different if the plant is loaded or unloaded. Risk assessments should be completed for the individual plant being driven in environments with sloping roadways.
• untrained or inexperienced workers should not operate the vehicle, particularly in unfamiliar or high-risk terrain or for unfamiliar tasks
• information, training, instruction or supervision necessary to control the risks associated with plant
• training programs should be practical and ‘hands on’ and take into account the particular needs of workers like literacy levels, work experience and specific skills required for safe use of the plant
• ensuring worker training, experience and competency aligns with the requirements and complexity of the task
• training on the make and model of plant should be documented.

PCBUs must first consider controls that most effectively eliminate the risk or, where not reasonably practicable, that minimise the risks. Hazards such as operators being ejected from mobile plant may also be minimised by implementing administrative controls, so far as is reasonably practicable. Administrative controls can include the design and implementation of a traffic management plan.

Traffic management plan

A traffic management plan is a set of rules for managing the movement of traffic in your workplace. It should be developed by the PCBU in consultation with workers and others in the workplace. Everyone affected by the plan must understand it and follow it.

An effective traffic management plan will include broad types of control measures that aim to do the following things:

• Keeping vehicles and people apart
• Limiting vehicle movements or speed
• Avoiding the need for reversing vehicles
• Provide a safe area for the driver
• Provide clear signage road/area markings
• Ensure effective workplace communication.

Adapted from Safe Work Australia guidance material

Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment. For example:

the use of hard hats, steel cap boots and high visibility vests. Safety footwear should be suitable for the type of work and environment, comfortable with an adequate non-slip sole and appropriate tread, and checked regularly to ensure treads are not worn away or clogged with contaminants.

Administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision. If used on their own, they are least effective in minimising risks. The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.