Work Platforms

Professional Work Platform Solutions

The Work Health and Safety (Managing Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice) Approval 2020 sets out a list of measures that should be taken to mitigate risks and falls when working at heights. This includes employing properly erected scaffolds or elevated work platforms that provide a stable and level surface capable of supporting workers, materials, and other loads. Additionally, ensuring that stairs are solidly constructed with fixed handrails, and that work surfaces and slopes are even and accessible, contributes to overall safety. It is also essential to maintain safe entry and exit points to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure a secure working environment. SafeSmart Access focuses on delivering a wide array of safety work platforms aimed at improving safety and efficiency for tasks performed at elevated heights. We provide a comprehensive range of platforms designed for different industries and applications, such as aviation, construction, mining, transportation, and industrial manufacturing.

Platform Categories

Characteristics of a Safe Work Platform

How to Choose the Best Work Platform?

Why Choose SafeSmart Access?

Commitment to safety standards for work platforms

SafeSmart Access designs platforms with a deep understanding of industry needs, especially in safety-critical sectors like mining and aviation. Our work platforms combine lightweight, durable construction with essential safety features for optimal manoeuvrability and worker protection.

High-quality materials & construction

SafeSmart Access platforms are designed for tough industries like aviation, mining, and construction, using durable materials like T6 6261 grade aluminium for its strength and corrosion resistance. Some of our systems feature a steel base with aluminium components for optimal strength and manoeuvrability. For detailed information on our materials and quality, we recommend reviewing product specifications or contacting us directly.

Tailored solutions to fit your needs

At SafeSmart Access, we specialise in custom-designed work platforms to meet your unique needs. Whether you require an adaptable aircraft docking system or a specialised platform for mining equipment, we create tailored solutions that fit your environment perfectly and enhance efficiency.

Scaffolding Work Platforms

Scaffolds are used in conjunction with work platforms to offer stable and level surfaces for workers, materials, and equipment. A range of safe work practices are needed to ensure that the platforms and scaffolds supporting the workers and equipment are safe and comply with regulatory standards.

SafeSmart Access provides a range of work platforms: mobile and portable, fixed, adjustable, custom, vehicle-mounted, and cantilever. These work platforms can be used with scaffolding to provide safe access for working at height.

What is Scaffold, Scaffolding, and Scaffolding Work? 

According to Safe Work Australia:

• A scaffold is a temporary structure, typically erected to support working and access platforms. They are commonly used within the construction industry to provide workers with a stable work platform for work that cannot be done on the ground level.

• Scaffolding refers to the individual components of the structure. This includes tubes, couplers, frames, and materials that are assembled to form a scaffold.

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, scaffolding is classified as a plant. This means it falls under the same type of safety obligations as other plants in the workplace, mandating employers to ensure that the scaffolding is: properly designed, tested for safety, used according to guidelines, and operated safely.

• Scaffolding work refers to the erecting, dismantling, and altering of the scaffolding structure. The key aspect here is the possibility of a fall hazard: if a person or object has the potential to fall more than four metres from the platforms, then it constitutes scaffolding work.

In most jurisdictions across Australia, a high-risk work license is required for anyone performing scaffolding work.

What Qualifies a Work Platform as a Scaffold? 

There are several qualities of a scaffold that qualify it as a work platform. Key aspects include:

• When the structure is temporary and is designed solely for specific construction or maintenance tasks.

• The structure must be stable enough to withstand the weight of workers and equipment, and can only be achieved if the scaffold is constructed with proper design and materials.

• Safety features such as guardrails, safety bars, and secure access points are included to mitigate falls and ensure a safe working environment.

• Several risk management factors are taken into account. These include considering factors such as ground conditions, environmental conditions, and load capacity. Complying with safe work practices also falls as part of risk management.

• Scaffolds and related scaffolding work are operated with relevant safety standards and regulations to ensure a secure work environment. This is coupled with regular maintenance and inspection practices alongside certifications.

Scaffolds as Support for Work Platforms 

Alternatively, a work platform that has been constructed from wood, metal or other materials can be placed on top of a scaffold. Essentially, the work platform acts as an elevated surface that supports workers and materials, whilst enabling them to perform tasks at a higher level.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for scaffolding is 29CFR1926.450. To protect workers from potential hazards, this means:

• Workers must be trained to use scaffolds appropriately.

• A trained individual must be present at all times to observe the erection and dismantling of the scaffolding.

• The scaffold should be plumb, square, and level.

• The scaffolding should be inspected before each use. Green (safe), yellow (caution), and red (do not use) tags should be used to indicate if the scaffold is safe for use.

• Scaffolds should be equipped with guardrails on all open sides greater than 10 feet in height.

• When scaffolding is in use with a work platform, the platform should be at least 18 inches wide and is tightly planked with not more than an inch gap between the planks.

• Tubular frame scaffolding requires its legs to be pinned together with a securing means, such as a pigtail to prevent tipping over or collapsing.

• Scaffolds require cross-bracing to be installed. While climbing the cross-braces is forbidden by federal standards, the OSHA permits direct access from another scaffold.

• Scaffolding that is greater than three feet in height is required to be tied into the structure at intervals so that it does not exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.

Scaffold Safety Features 

Proper scaffold must include several key safety features:

• Guardrails are required on all open sides to prevent falls.

• Toe boards are needed to prevent materials and equipment from falling under the guardrails.

• Planks must be of scaffold grade and placed over a support.

• Work platforms and walkways must be a minimum of 18 inches wide.

• There should be no more than a 1-inch gap between the planks on the platform.