Safe Work Australia publishes new elevating work platforms model Code
27 Jan 2026•BlueSafe Team•Source: Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia has published a new model Code of Practice on elevating work platforms, providing practical guidance for employers and other duty holders on managing associated health and safety risks.
Elevating work platforms (EWPs) are powered mobile plant that raise or lower people and equipment from a supporting base. The new model Code is intended to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and other duty holders understand and meet their responsibilities.
Employers and other duty holders must protect workers from risks to their physical and psychological health and safety as much as possible. If risks cannot be eliminated, they must be minimised as much as possible.
The model Code recommends a risk management process that involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, putting controls in place and reviewing those controls.
Its guidance covers operational hazards, ground conditions, falls, electrical hazards and other risks associated with EWPs, along with control measures to prevent or minimise those risks.
The model Code will replace two existing guides: one on managing EWP risks and another on inspecting and maintaining EWPs.
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