Assessing Ground Conditions for Mobile Plant – An Interactive guide
On 4 February 2026, Safe Work Australia published the Interactive guide on managing the risks associated with ground conditions. The interactive guide provides practical WHS guidance and information when assessing ground conditions for mobile plant.
Ground conditions can vary dramatically from one workplace to another and even within the one workplace. The ground can appear to be solid, but underneath there may be hazards such as soft or waterlogged soils, voids, or underground services not visible from the surface.
The guide is aimed at people who have a responsibility for mobile plant in the workplace. This includes those who operate, work with, or hire mobile plant, and employers of workers who work with mobile plant.
The guide illustrates key concepts when assessing ground conditions and is designed to help users recognise:
- the ground conditions that may pose a risk when setting up and using mobile plant
- how to assess and control ground risks to keep themselves and others on the site safe, and
- when to get expert advice.
The guide has 3 easy-to-follow modules with 3 scenario-based videos, interactive and visual exercises, and supporting resources.
