What Is a Plant Register?
A plant register is a record of all plant and equipment used on a construction site, along with the operators' competency details. 'Plant' covers everything from excavators and cranes to portable power tools — any equipment that could pose a risk to health and safety. [1]
Your Legal Obligations
Under WHS legislation, PCBUs must ensure that plant is registered where required, maintained in safe working condition, and only operated by competent persons. PCBUs must also provide and maintain safe plant, manage associated risks, provide training and supervision, and prevent unauthorised alterations. [1]
of serious workers' compensation claims nationally in 2024-25 involved body stressing, falls/slips/trips, being hit by moving objects, or mental stress — with plant and equipment identified as a major cause of injury and death in the construction industry. [1][4]
What to Record
Your plant register should include: the type and description of plant, serial or identification numbers, the owner's details, maintenance and inspection records, and the details of authorised operators. For registrable plant, such as tower cranes and mobile cranes over 10 tonnes, you'll also need registration numbers and dates.
Operator Competency
Ensuring every operator has the right tickets and training is a core PCBU responsibility. High-risk work licences, Verification of Competency (VOC) certificates, and manufacturer-specific training records should all be sighted and recorded before an operator uses a machine on your site. Certain types of plant require registration and workers operating high-risk plant may need specific licences. [1]
Digital Plant Registers
Digital plant registers can help streamline the record-keeping process. Operators submit their details through a simple form, upload their licences, and you have everything in one place. BuilderShield organises records by worksite and automatically chases operators who submit without their licence or plant photos.
