Excavator SWMS Template
Using an excavator is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under Schedule 3 of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, as it involves work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant, and potentially work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m. That means before work using an excavator begins, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement — not optional, not just best practice.
This pre-written Excavator SWMS template gives you a compliant, ready-to-use document you can put to work today. It is supplied via instant download in fully editable Microsoft Word format and provides the typical safety controls and possible hazards associated with operating and maintaining an excavator on your worksites.
This comprehensive Excavator SWMS will form an essential part of your WHS Management System if you are responsible for this equipment on your worksites. Simply add your company details and this Excavator SWMS will be ready to use in your business today!
Excavator Safe Work Method Statement covers:
- PPE
- Working outside
- Working near roads
- Checking work area
- Services and utilities
- Loading and unloading excavator
- Excavator checks and maintenance
- Entering and exiting the excavator
- Excavator movement on site
- Operating excavator
- Refuelling
- Loading materials
- Shutting down excavator
Excavator Safe Work Method Statement includes:
- High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) selection table
- Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
- Step by step procedures
- Possible hazards
- Safety controls
- Safety responsibilities
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Plant and equipment
- Legislation, regulations, codes and standards
- Worker signoff
Excavator Safe Work Method Statement features:
- Instant download link sent to your email
- User friendly, fully editable Microsoft Word format
- Add your company details and use in your business today
- Will save you countless hours in research and development
- Free phone and email support if you need it
Excavator Safe Work Method Statement References and Standards:
- Work Health and Safety Act
- Work Health and Safety Regulations
- COP Construction Work
- COP First Aid in the Workplace
- COP Hazardous Manual Tasks
- COP Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss
- COP Excavation Work
- COP Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
- AS 3798:2007 – Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments
- AS 1742.3:2019 - Manual of uniform traffic control devices – Traffic control for works on roads
- AS 5327:2022 – Earth-moving Machinery - Access Systems
COP = Safe Work Australia Code of Practice
