This Fencing SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers installing post and panel fencing and electric fencing, including footings, concrete, wire and energisers. It covers 21 activities, from arriving at site to 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
Fencing contractors
Rural and farm fencing businesses
Electric fence installers
Landscapers and property maintenance crews
Civil contractors installing boundary fencing
It also works as a written task risk assessment for farm and rural fencing, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
 
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
Arriving at site, including overhead wires, induction risk and underground services
UV exposure and sunburn
Unloading and setting up equipment, including falls from the vehicle and manual handling
Marking out and excavating footing pads, with contact with power, water and gas services
Mixing concrete and contact with wet cement, including alkaline burns and dermatitis
Installing posts and panels, including nail gun injuries and fence collapse
Installing insulated posts and running out wire or tape
Placing the earth spike and installing the energiser, with induction risk from poor earthing
Cleaning up, waste handling, concrete washout and fuel spills
Post-work inspection and handover
Remote area work, inclement weather and wildlife such as snakes and bees
Emergency response to electric shock, fire, structural failure or injury
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 21 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 fencing tools, power equipment and lifting devices
Training requirements, including project induction and training for plant and equipment
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 fencing?
Only if the fencing is high risk construction work, for example digging near buried electrical services or gas mains, or working next to a road in use. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage risks like contact with services and induction from nearby powerlines, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover electric fencing?
Yes. It covers installing insulated posts, running out wire or tape, placing the earth spike and installing the energiser, including induction risk from poor earthing.
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.