This includes equipment that is both operational and stationary.

If plant, machinery and vehicles are required to access areas with soft or uneven ground, the equipment must be specifically designed to safely operate on the terrain and the risk assessment must identify and address the risk of working in those conditions.

If working in close proximity to uneven or soft ground, ensure these hazards are physically identified on site and controls implemented to prevent inadvertent access.

The ground must be able to safely support the weight of the load.

Assess the path of travel of any plant, machinery or vehicle and identify any hazards such as obstacles, poor ground conditions or embankments. If equipment is required to work in close proximity to these hazards, use barricading, signage and spotters to ensure the equipment does not unknowingly encroach on these areas.

Inspect ground conditions, including the path to and from the work area. Take special care when working near previously excavated ground which may be soft or wet.

Do not travel over road plates or pit covers unless the load bearing capacity of the plate/ cover is known and exceeds the weight of the plant, machinery, vehicle.

Operating or parking on uneven, unstable or slippery surfaces may expose plant, machinery and vehicles to the risk of overturning or moving in an uncontrolled manner.

Park vehicles in designated parking spots and make sure the handbrake is applied and the vehicle is unable to move in an uncontrolled manner whilst unattended.