This Driving a Vehicle SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers workers driving work vehicles as part of their job. It sets out 10 activities, from vehicle condition and loading to emergency response and driver distraction, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Trades and service businesses with work utes and vans
Delivery, courier and transport businesses
Sales reps and field workers who drive for work
Construction and civil companies with site vehicles
Councils and community service providers with vehicle fleets
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of businesses use one as the written risk assessment for work driving, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Hazard awareness, induction and checking workers are licensed and trained
Vehicle condition and pre-start checks to prevent mechanical faults
Manual handling when loading the vehicle
Refuelling and fuel or oil spills, with fire and contamination controls
Driver fatigue and being affected by drugs or alcohol
Driver attitude and behaviour behind the wheel
UHF communication when working around plant
Remote area travel, isolation from medical help and loss of contact
Inclement weather and storms affecting safe driving
Seatbelts, speed for the conditions and phone use while driving
Emergency response to a crash, fire or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 10 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Daily pre-start and maintenance checks for vehicles, trailers and attachments
Licence and training requirements, including a current vehicle licence and site induction
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for driving a work vehicle?
Only if the driving is part of high risk construction work, for example driving on a site where powered mobile plant is moving, or working next to a road in use. For general work driving a SWMS isn't a legal requirement, but you still have to manage risks like fatigue and distraction, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover driver fatigue?
Yes. Driver condition is its own activity, covering fatigue, being affected by drugs or alcohol, and driver attitude.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
