This Trenching and Excavation SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers digging, shoring and backfilling trenches with an excavator. It covers 15 activities, from the daily pre-start meeting and site preparation to removing shoring, backfilling and trench rescue, 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
Civil and earthmoving contractors
Plumbers and drainers laying pipe
Electrical, telecommunications and utility contractors installing conduit
Excavator operators and plant hire businesses
Builders and site preparation contractors
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 and planning before work starts
Site preparation, ground conditions and temporary works supporting the plant
Checking new plant on site and tagging out unserviceable plant
Climbing in and out of the excavator without sprains or falls
Mobilising and moving the excavator around people and other plant
Underground and overhead powerlines, and following operating instructions
Marking out the trench line and protecting workers from falling in
Delivery and storage of shoring
Digging the trench, including cave-in, service strikes and collapse of nearby structures
Removing shoring and backfilling without a trench collapse
Safe access, inspection and rescue, including collapse after rain or vibration
Out of service controls and emergency response to injuries
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 15 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
Materials list covering bedding sand, backfill, pipe, conduit, shoring and trench support systems
Plant operator licence requirements, daily pre-start checks and project specific induction
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 trenching and excavation?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example work in or near a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, near energised underground or overhead services, or where powered mobile plant is moving. Most trenching jobs fall into at least one of those. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and head contractors often ask for one either way.
Does it cover trench rescue?
Yes. It has an activity for safe access, inspection and rescue, covering workers who can't get out quickly in a collapse, water ingress or gas event, secondary collapse burying a rescuer, and collapse after rain or vibration.
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.
