Help ensure compliance & protect your team with this industry-leading SWMS. This Use of Ride-On Mower Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to identifying and controlling risks associated with operating a ride-on mower. It outlines hazard controls, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices to help businesses adhere to Australian workplace safety standards while ensuring operator and public safety.
 
Hazards & Control Measures Covered:
1️⃣ Planning & Risk Assessment:
Unawareness of Work Hazards: All workers must be briefed on hazards and control measures before commencing work.
Pre-Start Site Inspection: Operators must survey the work area for hazards and clear any obstacles before starting.
Pedestrian Restricted Areas: Operators must be aware of restricted areas and ensure pedestrians remain at a safe distance.
2️⃣ Pre-Operational Equipment Safety Checks:
Faulty Equipment Use: Pre-start checklists must be completed before use, ensuring:
All guards are fitted and in good condition.
Seat belts (if fitted) are in good working order.
Cutting blades are sharp, secure, and undamaged.
Pneumatic and hydraulic mechanisms are in sound condition.
Electrical switches, including dead man's switch (if fitted), are functioning correctly.
3️⃣ Operational & Site Safety Considerations:
Collision with Vehicles or People: Operators must be licensed/trained, wear high-visibility clothing, and implement traffic management plans where required.
Roll-Over Risk: Operators must:
Travel up slopes rather than across.
Take extra care when ascending or descending steep inclines.
Never carry passengers on the ride-on mower.
Entanglement Hazards: Loose clothing, hair, and items must be kept away from moving parts at all times.
Impact & Cutting Injuries:
Hands and body parts must be kept clear of moving parts during operation and maintenance.
PPE, including gloves, seatbelts, and eye protection, must be worn.
The mowing area must be free of other persons and animals.
Sun Exposure & Dehydration: Operators must:
Wear sun protection (hats, sunscreen).
Use hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs).
Have sufficient drinking water available.
4️⃣ Fuel & Fire Safety:
Inhalation of Fumes & Fuel Contact Risks:
Fuel must be used and stored according to SDS requirements.
Mowers must be refuelled in well-ventilated areas with the engine off.
Gloves must be worn when handling fuel.
Fire Risk: Fire extinguishers must be available on-site, and any spills must be cleaned immediately.
5️⃣ Inclement Weather & Environmental Changes:
Weather Impacts on Safe Operation: The supervisor must assess conditions and suspend mowing if weather conditions become unsafe.
6️⃣ Post-Operation & Shutdown Procedures:
Unauthorised Operation & Roll-Away Risks:
Park the mower on even ground.
Move the gear selector into park.
Engage the parking brake.
Stop the engine and remove keys.
Clear debris from around the engine and cutting blades.
7️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Response:
Emergency Equipment Knowledge: Operators must know the location of firefighting equipment and emergency shutdown switches.
Incident & Injury Reporting: All injuries, near-misses, or equipment failures must be reported immediately to a supervisor.
Emergency Response Activation: Operators must follow site emergency procedures in case of a serious incident.
 
Key Features of the SWMS:
Regulatory Compliance: Helps you align with Australian workplace safety laws and ride-on mower operation regulations.
Hazard Identification & Risk Control: Comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate ride-on mower hazards.
Emergency Preparedness: Clear response plans for equipment failures, injuries, and environmental changes.
Fully Customisable Content: Easily editable to suit specific job sites and work environments.
 
Who is This SWMS Suitable For?
This Use of Ride-On Mower SWMS is essential for:
Landscapers & Grounds Maintenance Crews
Parks & Gardens Staff
Facility & Property Maintenance Teams
Any Worksite Using Ride-On Mowers for Vegetation Management
 
Additional Resources:
Included with the purchase is a free copy of our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List.
 
Ensure your workforce is equipped with the right procedures for operating ride-on mowers safely. Download the Use of Ride-On Mower SWMS today and help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.