WORKSAFE Victoria has reminded earthmoving equipment owners to ensure all vandal-proof covers are removed from the windows and access doors of equipment before they are used.
Earthmovers are typically fitted with vandal-proof covers which are padlocked to the sides of the operator cabin in an effort to prevent unauthorised persons from accessing or vandalising the equipment and controls.
According to the authorities, operators often fail to remove all the covers before using the machine. This is risky because in the event of a mobile plant tipping over, the covers cannot be removed from within the cabins.
During roll-overs, normal cabin access could be blocked. The operator would then have to use emergency exits. If the emergency exits are blocked by vandal-proof covers, the operator is effectively trapped.
In emergency situations, the effort to cut the covers away would add critical time to the rescue effort.
The authority recommends placing a prominent warning sign or sticker in the cabin to remind operators to ensure all vandal-proof covers have been removed before using the equipment.

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