This Header (Harvester) Operation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for running a combine harvester through grain harvest, from moving the header and front between properties to harvesting, unloading and shutting down at the end of the shift. It covers 37 work activities, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each, and puts harvest fire prevention front and centre. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Grain growers and mixed farming businesses running their own headers
Harvest contractors moving between properties
Farm managers and supervisors running harvest crews
Seasonal and overseas header operators being inducted
 
Use it to
Hand farm clients, agribusinesses and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct seasonal workers and run toolbox talks on the task
Show auditors, insurers and inspectors how you manage the risks
 
What this SWMS covers
Daily pre-start meeting, operator competency and young workers
Fire danger checks and when harvest stops, fuel breaks and the paddock firefighting unit
Loading the header and front on floats and trailers, and travel on public roads
Pre-start inspection, climbing on the machine and working at height
Attaching the front and working safely under a raised front or feeder house
Harvesting, GPS guidance and auto-steer, and clearing blockages with stored energy released
Unloading into chaser bins and trucks, and overhead powerlines
Grain tank access, slopes, banks and working near people and other machines
Header fire prevention, blowing down, field welding and refuelling
Grain dust, noise, heat, fatigue, night harvesting and working alone
Emergency response for header and crop fires, entanglement and powerline contact
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 37 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk work checklist
Plant and equipment list, materials, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 1636 for tractor and machine roll-over protection, AS 2444 for extinguisher selection and AS 1851 for servicing fire equipment
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your property or 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 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 property and how your team works
Aligned to Australian WHS legislation, 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 header operation?
A SWMS is legally required only for high risk construction work, and most farm work isn't construction work. A SWMS is still a sound way to record how you manage the risks of a task, it does the same job as a JSA or safe work procedure, and farm clients, agribusinesses and contractor portals often ask contractors for one.
Does it cover harvest fire risk?
Yes. It sets a clear stop point for harvesting based on the grassland fire danger index and any ban or fire authority direction, and covers the paddock firefighting unit, extinguishers on the header, blowing down, bearing checks, field welding and what to do if a fire starts.
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.