Safety authorities in South Australia say work platforms need trained ground support personnel in the event of an emergency.

Over the course of about four months last year, SafeWork SA undertook a compliance campaign focused on Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).

SafeWork SA conducted 521 site visits and 256 compliance audits at various workplaces and EWP hire sites.

Seventy-nine statutory notices were issued in response to non-compliance, consisting of 67 improvement notices and 12 prohibition notices. 

Over a third of these notices referenced ground support personnel not being trained in an emergency, e.g. in the event of an emergency descent.

Around 50 per cent of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high risk construction work did not identify the hazards and risks that could result in an emergency situation requiring ground support personnel being available and trained.

SafeWork SA will undertake a follow-up compliance audit campaign in late 2021 focussing on Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high risk construction work.