This Erosion and Sediment Control SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers installing silt fences and sediment controls with an excavator and hand tools. It covers 16 activities, from inspecting the area and vegetation control to backfilling the fence and emergency response, 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
Civil and earthworks contractors
Erosion and sediment control specialists
Landscapers and site preparation crews
Builders and developers setting up new sites
Council and infrastructure maintenance crews
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Inspecting the area, vegetation control and site restoration to limit erosion and runoff
Site excavation, including people struck by the excavator and unserviceable plant
Digging in the silt fence and hammering in posts
Rolling out, attaching and backfilling the silt fence, with manual handling controls
Underground and overhead services, and keeping people clear of the excavator
Heat stress during physical work
Installing sediment controls so they work and don't get bypassed
Waste handling and environmental management
Remote area work, inclement weather and changing conditions
Emergency response to injury, equipment failure, spills or environmental damage
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 16 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 the excavator, including hydraulic hoses, fittings and safety systems
Training requirements, including excavator operator competency (statement of attainment or verification of competency) and project 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 erosion and sediment control work?
A SWMS is legally required when the work is high risk construction work, for example trenching a silt fence line near buried gas mains or electrical services, or working where an excavator is moving. Outside those situations it isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Head contractors and councils often ask for one either way.
Does it cover installing the controls correctly?
Yes. It has an activity on installing sediment controls so they work, covering sediment escaping to drains, waterways or neighbouring property, and erosion undermining the work area.
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.
