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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how risks from plant and equipment are identified and managed in the workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where machinery, tools, or mobile plant are involved. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday plant safety practices.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for plant used at work. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current arrangements support safe use of plant and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Plant-related risks can become routine and overlooked once equipment is in regular use. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in day-to-day operation, maintenance, and supervision. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how plant is actually used rather than how it is intended to be used. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real tasks, operating conditions, and supervision.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when plant, work activities, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how plant risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written procedures. They look for evidence that hazards are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied and maintained over time. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that plant safety has been actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What is considered plant in the workplace?
Plant includes machinery, equipment, tools, vehicles, and mobile plant used at work. The checklist helps review how risks from this plant are managed in everyday use.
Is this checklist only for high-risk machinery?
No. It is useful for all types of plant, including smaller or commonly used equipment. Risks can exist even with simple or familiar machines.
Does completing the checklist mean plant risks are controlled?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should plant risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when new plant is introduced, equipment is modified, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review periodically.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s203 – Managing Risks of Plant – Establishes duties to manage risks associated with plant throughout its lifecycle, including installation, use, maintenance, and disposal.
Regulation s204–s213 – Controls for General Plant – Sets out control requirements for guarding, emergency stops, and safe operation of plant used in workplaces.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.