Rural plant Code of Practice 2024 to commence 23 September 2024

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has recently finalised the update of the Rural plant Code of Practice to deliver updated guidance on managing work health and safety risks in agricultural contexts. The updated code replaces the Rural plant Code of Practice 2004 and the Safe design and operation of tractors Code of Practice 2005.

Since the commencement of these codes, there have been significant changes in the agricultural industry from a safety and technological perspective. As such, some of the content has become outdated and no longer effectively guides duty holders on how to meet the requirements of work health and safety laws.

The development of the updated Code follows a comprehensive review supported by industry representatives and technical experts. The new content includes a number of key changes to reflect current best practice in the agricultural industry. This includes guidance on quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles and the use of technology such as drones. The Tractor code content has also been incorporated into the main code to improve usability.

The Code (PDF, 1.73 MB) is effective from 23 September 2024.