This Manual Handling SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads by hand, in teams or with lifting aids. It covers 12 activities, from assessing the workers and the load to team lifting 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
Builders, labourers and trades
Warehouses, removalists and furniture movers
Landscapers and labour hire businesses
Manufacturing and maintenance crews
Event set-up and hire businesses
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers lift, carry, push or pull loads, 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
Information on new or changing hazards and untrained workers
Assessing each worker for strains, sprains and back injuries
Assessing the load, awkward objects and cramped work spaces
Preparing access routes to prevent slips, trips and crush injuries
Lifting and carrying safely
Team lifting of heavy or awkward loads
Using lifting equipment, including faulty equipment and falling objects
PPE selection and use
Finishing work for the day, including cuts, slips and trips
Waste, packaging and post-work checks for trip hazards
Emergency response to crush injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, falls or fire
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
Inspection and maintenance of mechanical lifting aids such as trolleys, hand trucks and pallet jacks
Manual task risk managed in line with the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice
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 manual handling?
Manual handling on its own isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS is only legally required when the task falls into a high risk category, for example lifting materials where someone could fall more than 2 metres or where powered mobile plant is moving. Otherwise 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 manual handling in confined spaces?
No. Manual handling inside a confined space as defined in the WHS Regulations is outside this SWMS and needs a confined space entry permit.
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.
