This Quad Bike and Side-by-Side Vehicle Operation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for using quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles on farms, rural properties and other off-road ground. It covers 23 activities, from choosing the right machine to parking, maintenance 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
Farmers, graziers and station hands
Agricultural and livestock contractors
Weed control and spraying contractors
Rural fencing and property maintenance workers
Land management and conservation crews
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of farms and rural 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
Choosing the right machine for the task and the ground
Rider competency, fitness for work and pre-operational inspection
Helmets and PPE, and route and terrain assessment before riding
Riding technique, slopes and side slopes, and the rollover risk
Rough ground, water crossings, mud and sand
Carrying loads on racks and trays, and towing trailers and implements
Carrying and applying chemicals from the machine
Passengers, age limits and who may ride
Public roads, livestock, dogs and wildlife
Working alone in remote areas with no phone coverage
Refuelling, noise, vibration, dust, weather and night riding
Loading for transport, parking, maintenance and emergency response to a rollover or crush
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 23 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, materials, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 1698 for helmets and AS 1019 for spark arrestors
Practical assessment on the specific make and model, and chemical user accreditation for spraying
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 quad bike operation?
No. Riding a quad bike or side-by-side on a farm isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, especially rollover on slopes and riding alone in remote areas, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover operator protection devices?
Yes. The plant list includes a quad bike fitted with an operator protection device, and a side-by-side vehicle with rollover protection and seatbelts. Riders are also trained to recognise the rollover envelope, including side slopes, ruts and the effect of a load or tow on stability.
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.
