This Driving in Remote Locations SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers driving and working in remote areas where medical help and emergency services are a long way off. It covers 6 activities, from hazard awareness to what to do if the vehicle breaks down or gets bogged, 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
Contractors and service crews working on mine sites, farms and remote stations
Surveyors, environmental consultants and field researchers
Pastoral, agricultural and land management businesses
Utility, telecommunications and pipeline maintenance crews
Transport and delivery businesses running regional routes
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of businesses use one as the written risk assessment for remote travel, 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 information, induction and checking workers are licensed and trained
Driving in remote areas with limited access to medical help and emergency services
Working in remote locations away from emergency services
Refuelling and fuel spills during remote travel, with fire and contamination controls
Vehicle breakdown or getting bogged in a remote area
Staying with the vehicle instead of walking for help, to avoid exposure and dehydration
Being missed by searchers when the vehicle is left behind
Emergency response to a medical emergency, fire or breakdown
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 6 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 checks for vehicles, trailers and emergency equipment
Licence and training requirements, including training in a remote driving procedure
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 in remote locations?
Only if the driving is part of high risk construction work, for example travelling on a remote project where powered mobile plant is moving. For most remote travel a SWMS isn't a legal requirement, but you still have to manage risks like isolation from medical help and breakdowns, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
What does it cover if the vehicle breaks down?
Breakdowns and bogging are a separate activity, with controls for the risk of exposure and dehydration from leaving the vehicle to walk for help, and of being missed by searchers.
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.
