This Operation of Trucks SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers driving trucks, loading and unloading them, and working on client sites. It covers 16 activities, from arriving on site and the pre-trip inspection to fatigue management, unloading 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
Transport and freight companies
Owner-drivers and subcontract truck drivers
Tipper, delivery and haulage operators supplying building sites
Civil contractors and councils running truck fleets
Farm and produce businesses with their own trucks
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of transport businesses use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Arriving on site and confirming the right truck and operator are scheduled
Pre-work discussion with the site or load supervisor
Slips, trips and falls moving around site and climbing into the cab
Pre-trip inspection to confirm the truck is fit for service
Loading, with people struck by plant and collisions
Driving, including falling objects, collisions and overturn
Truck maintenance and housekeeping
UHF radio failure and keeping communication open
Fatigue, micro sleeps and heavy vehicle work and rest requirements
Collisions with wildlife on the road
Unloading on site, unauthorised access and people struck by the truck
Fuel and hydraulic leaks, post-work checks and emergency response to rollover, fire or spills
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 16 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, maintenance checks and the training each driver needs
Heavy vehicle inspection and load restraint guidance for maintenance checks, plus the right truck licence
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 a truck?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example delivering into a construction site where powered mobile plant is moving, or unloading next to a road in use on a construction job. General driving and deliveries don't need one by law, but you still have to manage risks like fatigue and collisions, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one before you go on site.
Does it cover driver fatigue?
Yes. It has a fatigue management activity covering crashes from fatigue or micro sleep, slowed reactions from long hours or poor sleep, and breaches of heavy vehicle work and rest requirements.
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.
