Post drivers are a potentially hazardous item of plant and there is no practical guidance available on their design and use. This industry safety standard has been developed in partnership with industry experts to address this issue.
In the four years to June 2005, there were at least four serious incidents involving post drivers. Guards designed for use with post drivers have so far been limited in their success due to the way in which post drivers are required to function. Every year, farmers and other users face serious injuries to their limbs and body through coming into contact with post drivers, which are not properly guarded.
Transitional Arrangements
Together with its industry partners, WorkCover has developed six month transitional arrangements to allow industry sufficient time to implement the industry safety standard. The industry safety standard, published on Monday 30 April 2007, provides WorkCover's compliance expectations in relation to post drivers, however some requirements in the industry safety standard are already required by current legislation.
During the six month period from 30 April 2007 to 30 October 2007, WorkCover will provide advice and assistance to manufacturers, designers, users and other duty holders on implementing the requirements of this industry safety standard. Following this transitional period, WorkCover will verify that the safety measures in the industry safety standard have been adopted and will report back to industry on the outcomes of its verification activities.