Cash In Transit

The transport, delivery and receipt of valuables, (cash in transit CIT operations) is any service whereby person or persons are involved in the movement of valuables such as cash, securities, jewels, bullion and other financial instruments on behalf of other persons for reward.

CIT operations can include escort services in armoured vehicles or soft-skin services in non-armoured vehicles, the supporting management and administration including the maintenance of the security equipment.

The Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008 (OHS Code 2008) provides guidance to employers in the CIT industry on how to meet their duty of care to employees, contractors and others in the work place.

This fact sheet provides direction to the appropriate regulations, codes and guidance material where information on the risk management approach is provided to employers, self-employed persons, contractors, designers of structures used as workplaces; and employees.

Hazard associated with transferring cash

The CIT industry is inherently dangerous with catastrophic outcomes therefore careful planning and preparation in consultation with appropriate experienced personnel with knowledge of the hazards associated with cash transfers is essential.

Hazards are not always obvious and can include:

• the potential for armed hold-ups;
• manual handling;
• operation of vehicles;
• handling and use of weapons;
• exposure to excessive noise; 
• fatigue from shift work;
• stress related to the workplace;
• environmental factors such are extremes of temperature; and 
• exposure to bio-hazardous substances.

Risks associated with the transfer and receipt of cash

At all times personal safety is the primary objective. When undertaking a risk assessment, consideration must be given to the likelihood of injury to workers and persons at or near the workplace and to the potential for fatal or serious consequences.

Injuries and other health effects can include: 

• internal injuries inflicted by weapons during armed hold-ups;
• fractures and contusions from assault or vehicle accident;
• sprains and strains;
• industrial deafness; 
• infectious diseases;
• fatigue and stress related injuries; and
• lower back pain and injuries related to vibration.

Employer’ Duties

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (the Act) employers are required to provide and maintain, as far as is practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

To ensure that the risks are managed in accordance with the duties under the Act, employers should systematically manage the risks associated with the transfer and receipt of valuables associated with the cash in transit industry.

This four step process includes:

1. identification of the hazards
2. assessment of the risks associated with the hazards
3. control of the identified risks and
4. review of the process

When undertaking risk management, employers must follow the relevant Commonwealth regulations and give consideration to the codes of practice. Part 25 Cash-in transit of the OHS code 2007 provides specific guidance to employers and other duty holders on how to comply with the Act so as to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for employees in the CIT industry.

Relevant Commonwealth Regulations

There are no specific regulations for the control of risks associated with cash in transit in the Commonwealth. However, many hazards common to the industry are regulated. The Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 imposes duties in relation to the management of hazards.

Sections that may be applicable to cash in transit include:

• Part 3 Occupational Noise
• Part 5 Manual handling
• Part 11 Driver Fatigue
• Part 13 Falls from Heights of 2 metres or more

Relevant Commonwealth Codes of Practice

Part 25 Cash in Transit of the OHS Code 2008 outlines ways of achieving a standard of safety for the CIT industry while, at the same time, allowing employers the flexibility to incorporate invention and technological changes and to implement measures and procedures that are most appropriate for their individual workplace.

If after a risk assessment employers can meet their duties in a better way than the way proposed by a code it is appropriate and lawful for them to do so. 

Other applicable parts of the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008:

• Part 1 - Risk Management
• Part 2 - First Aid
• Part 3 - Noise
• Part 5 - Vibration
• Part 19 - Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight
• Part 25 - Cash in transit

Further Information

For further information about this fact sheet, please contact Comcare on the general enquiry line 1300 366 979 or e-mail OHS.Help@comcare.gov.au.