Mobile Plant Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

You need a Mobile Plant Risk Assessment when operating any mobile machinery or equipment in your workplace. This systematic evaluation document is legally required under England and Wales health and safety legislation to identify potential hazards, assess their risks, and establish control measures that protect operators and nearby workers from harm.

When do you need this document?

You must complete a Mobile Plant Risk Assessment before introducing any mobile plant equipment to your site, including excavators, bulldozers, cranes, forklifts, dumper trucks, and agricultural machinery. The assessment is required when equipment changes location, undergoes modifications, or when operating conditions change significantly. Construction sites, industrial facilities, warehouses, and agricultural operations all require these assessments to demonstrate due diligence and legal compliance. You also need updated assessments when incidents occur or when reviewing safety procedures during planned intervals.

Key legal considerations

Your Mobile Plant Risk Assessment must comprehensively identify all potential hazards including mechanical failures, operator error, environmental conditions, and interactions with pedestrians or other equipment. The risk evaluation section requires you to assess both the likelihood and severity of identified hazards using a recognised risk matrix methodology. Control measures must follow the hierarchy of risk control, prioritising elimination and engineering controls over administrative controls and personal protective equipment. You must document existing control measures and identify additional measures needed to reduce risks to acceptable levels. The assessment should address operator competency requirements, maintenance schedules, inspection protocols, and emergency procedures specific to each piece of equipment.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a statutory duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may be affected by your work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 specifically mandate suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all work activities involving potential risks. PUWER 1998 requires that work equipment is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, and operated by competent persons with adequate training. If your mobile plant includes lifting capabilities, LOLER 1998 imposes additional requirements for thorough examination, testing, and certification. Construction activities must also comply with CDM Regulations, which require principal contractors to coordinate health and safety measures and ensure adequate site management. Your risk assessment must be reviewed regularly, updated when circumstances change, and made available to relevant personnel including operators, supervisors, and health and safety representatives.