This Front End Loader (including Backhoe) SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers mobilising, operating, refuelling and shutting down front end loaders and backhoes. It covers 17 activities, from hazard awareness and site preparation to rollover, ground stability and attachment security, 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
Earthmoving and civil contractors
Plant hire businesses supplying operated machines
Landscaping and site preparation businesses
Council and road maintenance crews
Farms, depots and materials yards loading soil and aggregate
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers operate a front end loader or backhoe, 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
Hazard awareness, planning and checks before starting work
Site preparation and ground conditions that affect plant stability
New plant on site and mobilising plant without striking people
Pre-operation checks, including underground and overhead power
Changing buckets, rippers and other attachments by hand
Moving plant on the worksite, including collisions with people and other plant
Dust, respirable crystalline silica and noise from loading and operating
Refuelling, including fire, chemical contact and diesel spills
Environmental protection, including spills, sediment runoff and harm to vegetation
Post-work shutdown, out of service controls and inclement weather
Rollover, ground stability and quick hitch attachment security
Emergency response to rollover, electrical contact, fire or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 17 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
Plant and equipment list, including an ABE extinguisher, spill kit, first aid kit and UHF radios
Daily pre-start checks, hydraulic hose maintenance and operator competency requirements, such as a verification of competency
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 front end loader or backhoe work?
A SWMS is legally required when the work is high risk construction work, for example digging a trench deeper than 1.5 metres with the backhoe, working near overhead powerlines, or where other powered mobile plant 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 prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover quick hitch attachments?
Yes. It covers an attachment released by a quick hitch that isn't positively locked, alongside machine rollover and being struck by falling material.
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.
