As Australia heads into another high-risk fire season, businesses in the earthmoving and equipment sectors need to take proactive steps to protect their people, machinery and operations.
With increasing fire danger across regional and peri-urban zones, preparedness is not just a safety measure — it’s a business imperative.
UAA National Claims Manager Michelle Morrissey said that climate forecasts were pointing to hotter and drier conditions, driven by El Niño and other climate drivers.
“These conditions, combined with fuel build-up and expanding development into bushfire-prone areas, heighten the risk of fire outbreaks — especially in regions where earthmoving operations are active,” she said.
Earthmoving and equipment businesses face unique vulnerabilities:
- Machinery ignition sources: Hot exhausts, electrical faults, and fuel leaks can spark fires.
- Remote operations: Crews often work in isolated areas with limited access to emergency services.
- Asset exposure: High-value equipment is frequently stored outdoors or in temporary yards.
- Contractual obligations: Delays due to fire can impact project timelines and client relationships.
Michelle said all businesses should ensure key mitigation strategies were in place.
- To reduce fire risk, businesses should implement the following:
- Daily equipment inspections: Check for fuel leaks, electrical faults, and debris build-up.
- Fire suppression systems: Equip machinery with onboard extinguishers or suppression kits.
- Site fire plans: Develop and communicate evacuation and containment procedures for each jobsite.
- Fuel and chemical storage: Secure flammable materials in compliant containers away from ignition sources.
- Staff training: Ensure operators and site managers are trained in fire response and equipment shutdown protocols.
- Asset tracking: Use GPS and telematics to monitor equipment location and status during emergencies.
Lessening the bushfire risk
It’s also good practice to carry out steps to prevent the likelihood of fires in the first place.
“Preventative maintenance is important,” Michelle said.
“It’s wise to keep the roofs and gutters of your business premises clear of natural debris, which can be extremely flammable.
“Keep combustible materials in flameproof containers away from the building.
“Installing fireproof window shutters, non-combustible window frames and doors, and toughened glass can also be effective in delaying the spread of a fire, which can make a valuable difference in terms of the amount of damage caused to your property.
“Ensure all emergency exits are accessible and in working order and have a bushfire action plan in place — one that’s tailored to your business and communicated regularly to staff — to ensure you and everyone else knows how to respond in case of an emergency.”
Collaboration with emergency services
Michelle also noted that there were risks associated if businesses were called upon to help battle or mitigate bushfires.
“From time to time, Rapid Action Force services may reach out to earthmoving businesses to assist in fire containment efforts,” Michelle said.
“This includes creating firebreaks, clearing access routes for emergency vehicles, and assisting with debris removal post-incident.
“Businesses should maintain readiness by ensuring equipment is serviceable, operators are trained for emergency deployment, and communication protocols with local fire authorities are established.”
Insurance and claims preparedness
When it comes to damage from bushfires, underinsurance is a common problem — meaning business owners have insurance but not enough cover to replace everything they may lose.
“A lot of plant and machinery businesses are affected by bushfires,” Michelle said.
“Some customers may take out machinery cover thinking that at any one time, only one item would experience downtime from theft or damage… but in reality, a fire could destroy everything.
“In some instances, clients have not had a machine’s sum-insured reviewed for a while, or genuinely underestimate what the market value may be for their property.”
Michelle said UAA recommended:
- Reviewing policy coverage for business interruption and machinery sum-insureds.
- Documenting equipment condition and location regularly.
- Keeping an updated inventory of all machines and equipment.
- Digitally backing up maintenance logs.
“In a recent incident, a contractor’s excavator was damaged during a bushfire response,” Michelle said.
“Thanks to thorough documentation and a clear deployment agreement with local authorities, the claim was processed efficiently by UAA, and the business was compensated for both damage and downtime.
“Speak with your broker to ensure everything you use for your business is adequately covered — including plant, machinery, and vehicles.”
Michelle said that in the end, fire preparedness in the earthmoving and equipment industry was about more than just compliance — it’s about protecting lives, assets, and livelihoods.
“As summer approaches, now is the time to assess vulnerabilities, invest in mitigation, and build resilience into your operations,” she said.
For more information on adequately insuring your business in the bushfire season, contact your UAA representative.