Fatal ride on mower incident

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must eliminate risks arising from mobile plant in the workplace, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks. Specific controls are required for mobile plant under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Before operating powered mobile plant, the PCBU or the person with management or control of it must ensure:

• they have conducted a risk assessment of the workplace/site location in relation to plant operation
• weather, ground conditions, and the intended travel pathway have been inspected and assessed to identify any problem areas (e.g. wet ground, sloping ground)
• a suitable combination of operator protective devices for the plant is provided depending on the type of mobile plant, for example:
  • a seat belt being provided and always worn by the operator
  • the provision of a roll-over protective structure (ROPS). A ROPS is a structure designed and constructed to prevent or minimise the risk of death or injury to the operator as a result of the mobile plant rolling over in any direction, depending on the application
• the mobile plant is fitted with suitable safety features (e.g. rear-view mirrors, flashing lights)
• the manufacturer's operating instructions have been read and are followed
• the mobile plant is operated to suit the environmental conditions and slow enough to retain control in unexpected circumstances.

A safe system of work should be developed and implemented to manage the risks associated with mobile plant including ride on mowers. This could include, but is not limited to:

• ensuring the plant selected is operated, inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications.
• ensuring the manufacturer's instructions are included in a safe work procedure on how inspection and maintenance should be carried out. For example, checking if the plant or equipment show any signs of excessive wear, damage or cracks to structural components.
• PCBU’s must also consult with workers whose health and safety is likely to be affected. Consultation can take the form of an informal discussion. For example, consultation could occur between a PCBU and the PCBU’s workers over the content of the manufacturer’s instructions.
• operators conducting daily pre-start checks on the general condition and maintenance of the plant.
• ensuring the operator has received adequate training and instruction in the use of the plant by way of:
  • PCBUs should assess and verify the operator’s knowledge and competence to operate the plant before they commence work.
  • operators should be able to demonstrate they are competent to operate the specific type of plant being used and any attachments fitted to the plant.

When operating mobile plant:

• reduce speed before turning or applying brakes
• use as wide a wheel track as possible when working on hillsides and sloping ground
• descend slopes cautiously - watch out for ditches, embankments, and depressions as unstable banks can cause overturns
• do not park on a steep slope
• ensure the park brake is on and operating effectively before dismounting.

Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). For example, use of hard hats, steel cap boots, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility vests.

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.