This General Plant SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers bringing mobile plant onto a worksite, setting it up, operating it and taking it out of service. It sets out 12 activities, from site preparation to fitting attachments 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 earthmoving contractors
Plant hire companies and owner-operators
Builders and head contractors managing plant on site
Landscaping and excavation businesses
Contractors working on mine sites and infrastructure projects
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
Site preparation, ground conditions and temporary works supporting plant stability
Checking new plant on site is mechanically serviceable
Transporting plant on a low loader and securing it in transit
Mobilising plant to site without striking people
Operating plant, including faulty equipment and following operating instructions
Contact with overhead power lines and the risk of electrocution
Moving plant around the worksite without hitting other plant or workers
Plant stability during set-up, erection and dismantling, plus housekeeping
Inclement weather and storms affecting safe operation
Taking plant out of service and post-work checks to prevent unauthorised use
Locking quick hitch couplers and avoiding live cables, gas and water mains when digging
Emergency response to an electrical fault, fire, rollover or serious injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 12 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
Maintenance checks for mobile plant, attachments, lifting equipment and electrical leads
Training requirements, including a relevant licence to operate the plant and equipment training
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 operating plant on site?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, and that includes work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant. Work near energised overhead power lines, or on or next to a road in use, also counts. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover quick hitch attachments?
Yes. It covers fitting and changing attachments, including an attachment being released or dropped by a quick hitch coupler that isn't locked, and striking live cables, gas mains or water mains when the ground is disturbed.
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.
