WorkSafe has issued a safety alert reminding businesses to manage the risks linked to light utility vehicles used on the job.

Light utility vehicles (LUVs) such as side-by-sides are common across agriculture, horticulture, construction, conservation and parks work. WorkSafe’s alert reinforces that employers and other duty holders must identify the hazards associated with these vehicles and put effective controls in place.

Safety alerts are advisory notices. They don’t change the law, but they signal that WorkSafe is seeing enough harm or risk to warrant immediate attention. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, businesses must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the health and safety of workers and others.

Common risk controls for LUVs include:

• Selecting the right vehicle for the terrain and task, and sticking to manufacturer guidance
• Training and verifying competency for anyone who operates or supervises use
• Pre-start checks and planned maintenance, including brakes, tyres and steering
• Using seatbelts and roll-over protection as designed; not bypassing safety features
• Setting and enforcing speed limits, managing loads and towing within rated limits
• Planning routes, avoiding high-risk slopes, and restricting access when conditions change
• Clear rules on passengers, age limits and no unauthorised use
• Supervising new or infrequent operators and monitoring for near-misses

WorkSafe has published further guidance and checklists with the alert. Businesses and contractors are being encouraged to review their procedures this week, refresh training where needed, and document any changes to how LUVs are used on site.