This Retaining Wall & Paving Construction SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers building block and timber sleeper retaining walls and laying paving for landscaping and small civil work. It sets out locating underground services, excavation and base preparation, drainage, placing blocks and sleepers, backfill and compaction, edge restraints and paver laying, wet cutting to control silica dust, and safe use of plate compactors and saws. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Landscaping and landscape construction businesses
Paving contractors
Retaining wall builders
Small civil and earthworks contractors
Residential builders and outdoor living specialists
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Excavation or trench collapse during base preparation
Strain from lifting heavy blocks, sleepers and pavers
Crush injuries from dropped or shifting blocks and sleepers
Collapse of part-built walls or backfill sliding into excavations
Plate compactor struck-by, crush and entanglement injuries
Cut-off and wet saw cuts, entanglement and projectiles
Silica dust from cutting concrete blocks and pavers
Noise from compactors and cutting equipment
Striking underground electrical, gas, water or communications services
Cement-based mortar, adhesives and jointing products on skin and eyes
What's included
8 pre-operational checks, from Before You Dig Australia plans and potholing to wall height approvals, equipment and barricades
A 12-step operating procedure covering set-out, excavation, base compaction, drainage, wall courses, backfill, paver laying and wet cutting
Isolation and energy control for plate compactors and saws, and barricading open excavations and part-built walls
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for excavation or wall collapse, people trapped or buried, and struck underground services
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover ride-on rollers?
No. It covers plate compactors, cut-off saws and wet saws. Ride-on or towed compaction plant and rollers are covered by a separate procedure.
Does it cover engineering or council approval for walls?
It doesn't set wall heights, but workers check whether the wall needs an engineered design or council approval under local or state requirements before building.
Does it cover silica dust from cutting pavers?
Yes. Cutting uses a wet method where practicable, with respiratory, eye and ear protection, and a higher rated respirator may be needed where wet cutting isn't possible.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, 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.
