Source: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ)
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) will be conducting an important proactive compliance campaign between February and March 2026. The campaign will focus on the use of fixed plant in the transport and warehouse sector to help keep workers safe when operating or working near fixed plant. This campaign is part of WHSQ's 2024-2027 Proactive Compliance Program and their ongoing commitment to improving health and safety outcomes in high-risk industries.
Fixed plant continues to be one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in transport and warehouse workplaces in Queensland. Tragically, incidents involving conveyor systems, fixed racking and shelving systems, fixed lifting equipment and ammonia-based refrigeration systems are common and often preventable.
WHSQ inspectors will visit transport and warehouse workplaces across Queensland to assess how fixed plant hazards are being managed. Key focus areas will include:
WHSQ may issue compliance notices or financial penalties where serious breaches are identified.
WHSQ has created several resources, together with industry, to help you with identifying hazards, reducing risks and ensuring compliance, including:
Health and Safety Representative (HSR) participation
Health and safety representatives and health and safety committees
Consultation and collaboration with health and safety representatives
Conveyor systems
Machine guarding - Film
Working safely with conveyors – Film (SafeWork NSW)
Guide to machinery and equipment safety (PDF, 1.5MB)
Safety of machinery Conveyors - General requirements (subscription required)
Fixed plant self-assessment tool (PDF, 1.5MB)
Incident alert - Worker killed in conveyor crush
Managing the risks of plant in the workplace Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.6MB)
Fixed racking and shelving systems
Pallet racking operation and maintenance (WorkSafe Victoria)
Incident alert - Injury to young worker caused by racking system failure
Incident alert - Forklift operator seriously injured by falling pallet
Fixed lifting equipment
Lifting-equipment (WorkSafe Victoria)
Refrigerants within cool rooms
Emergency planning for ammonia-based refrigeration systems guide (PDF, 663KB)
Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.2MB)
Targeted industry resources and codes of practice including:
How to manage work health and safety risks Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 669KB)
Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.2MB)
Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.2MB). Free advisory support is available through WHSQ’s Injury Prevention and Management (IPaM) program. To register, contact whsqadvisoryfieldservices@oir.qld.gov.au or visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
Please visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au. You can also contact us via email at SafetyInfo@oir.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 362 128.