This 9-page Grounds Maintenance (General) Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides the required safety controls and identifies potential hazards associated with performing general grounds maintenance activities. Developed by WHS experts, it helps you to ensure your business meets legal obligations and maintains a safe working environment.
 
The template is pre-filled, ready to use, and fully aligned with Australian WHS legislation, covering typical tasks involved in grounds maintenance, from using power tools and machinery to handling fuels and hazardous chemicals. Suitable for all Australian states and territories, this SWMS is delivered in an editable Microsoft Word format, making it easy to customise with your company name, logo, site details, and specific operational requirements.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
This SWMS is ideal for businesses and contractors involved in:
Landscaping and gardening services
Grounds and property maintenance
Facilities management
Local councils and government maintenance teams
Schools, parks, and recreation grounds
Aged care and retirement villages
Commercial cleaning and property services
 
What This SWMS Covers
This SWMS provides detailed guidance on key activities, hazards, and control measures, including:
Planning and preparing the work area, including conducting site-specific risk assessments
Safe removal and handling of waste, including procedures for lifting and disposing of garbage bags
Manual handling techniques to reduce sprain and strain injuries
Correct use, inspection, and maintenance of power tools and garden machinery such as mowers, hedge trimmers, and whipper snippers
Preventing entanglement hazards by securing hair, clothing, and jewellery
Guarding against impact and cutting injuries by maintaining machine guards and securing workpieces
Managing noise exposure through tool selection, task rotation, and PPE use
Daily equipment inspections and scheduled maintenance to prevent failures
Ensuring good housekeeping practices to eliminate slip, trip, and fall hazards
Safe handling, storage, and use of fuels, oils, and chemicals, including maintaining current SDS records
Minimising electrical hazards via RCD protection, testing and tagging, and lead management
Implementing lockout and isolation procedures to prevent unauthorised equipment use
Proper PPE usage, including gloves, hearing protection, eye protection, steel-cap boots, and high-vis clothing
Emergency response protocols for injuries, fires, equipment failure, and other incidents
 
What’s Included in Your Template
Pre-filled and fully editable SWMS template
HRCW (High Risk Construction Work) selection table
Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
Step-by-step procedures and safety controls
Identified hazards with corresponding control measures
PPE requirements
Plant and equipment list
References to relevant WHS legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
Worker sign-off page to ensure understanding and compliance
 
 
This SWMS template for Grounds Maintenance (General) is an essential tool for documenting and maintaining your workplace safety systems. Designed for quick customisation, it helps you save time, reduce risk, and stay compliant with Australian WHS requirements.
 
Get your Grounds Maintenance SWMS today and start using it instantly - stay safe, stay compliant, and protect your business and workers with confidence.