This Working Around Plant and Equipment SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers working on foot near operating plant that is provided and maintained by its owner. It covers 5 activities, from the daily pre-start meeting to out of service plant and incident 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
Labourers, spotters and traffic controllers on civil sites
Trades working near operating plant on site
Surveyors and site engineers
Contractors on mine and quarry sites
Builders managing hired plant on their sites
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
Daily pre-start meeting on other crews and new hazards
People struck by plant on site
Working near moving plant
Housekeeping around plant to prevent injuries
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic entering the work zone
Equipment, arm or boom failure and plant rollover
Inclement weather and storm cells affecting plant operation
Out of service plant and unauthorised operation
Accidents and incidents, with injured workers or damaged plant
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 5 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
Equipment list covering barriers, cones, bollards, signage, two-way radios and high visibility clothing
Site induction and equipment training, with plant maintenance left to the plant owner
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 working around plant?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, and working in an area with movement of powered mobile plant is one of those categories. So on a construction site with operating plant, yes. Away from construction work a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and clients and head contractors often ask for one.
Is this SWMS for plant operators?
No. It's written for workers on foot near operating plant. The plant itself is provided and maintained by its owner, who is responsible for its maintenance checks.
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.
