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Every Purchase Backed by 12 Months of Phone & Online Support and Updates — No Extra Cost

Comprehensive WHS Framework

Developed in line with Australian regulations.

​Save Time & Money

Save hours of time &

frustration starting from scratch.

Fully Editable

Supplied as a fully editable Word document.

​2025 Editions

Latest editions available.

Manage excavation risks & enhance site safety with this SWMS. This Trenching & Excavation Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured framework for identifying and controlling hazards related to excavation and trenching activities. It details essential risk mitigation strategies, control measures, and best practices to help businesses align with Australian workplace safety standards while ensuring safe excavation procedures.

 

Hazards & Control Measures Covered:

1️⃣ Planning & Risk Assessment

  • Site Induction & Pre-Start Meeting – Ensures all personnel are briefed on site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and operational controls before starting work.
  • Work Area Inspection & Hazard Identification – Mandates assessing ground stability, nearby structures, and underground services before excavation begins.
  • Equipment Pre-Start Checks – Requires daily inspections of excavators and supporting equipment to confirm operational safety.

2️⃣ Excavation Stability & Ground Conditions

  • Trench Collapse Prevention – Mandates shoring, benching, or battering back trench walls for all trenches deeper than 1.5 metres.
  • Soil Stability & Load Management – Ensures excavated material is placed at least one metre from the trench edge to reduce risk of collapse.
  • Safe Excavator Positioning – Requires careful placement of excavators to avoid instability due to soft or compromised ground conditions.

3️⃣ Underground & Overhead Hazards

  • Locating Underground Services – Requires "Dial Before You Dig" (DBYD) checks and manual exposure of underground utilities before excavation.
  • Electrical Overhead Powerlines – Mandates assessing proximity to overhead powerlines, maintaining exclusion zones, and implementing additional control measures when required.

4️⃣ Traffic & Pedestrian Safety

  • Site Access & Traffic Management – Requires designated pedestrian and vehicle exclusion zones around excavation sites.
  • Excavator Movement Control – Mandates using spotters when reversing and ensuring high-visibility PPE is worn at all times.

5️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response

  • First Aid & Incident Reporting – Ensures all workers are aware of first aid locations and emergency contact procedures.
  • Fire Safety & Equipment Use – Mandates that personnel know the location and operation of firefighting equipment.
  • Work Cessation & Hazard Reassessment – Requires stopping work if environmental conditions change or new hazards are identified, with a reassessment before proceeding.

 

Key Features of the SWMS:

  • Regulatory Compliance – Helps businesses align with Australian workplace safety laws and excavation standards.
  • Hazard Identification & Risk Control – Covers essential safety measures to mitigate excavation and trenching risks.
  • Emergency Preparedness – Establishes clear procedures for responding to incidents, structural failures, and underground service strikes.
  • Fully Customisable Content – Adaptable for various trenching and excavation projects.

 

Who is This SWMS Suitable For?

This Trenching & Excavation SWMS is essential for:

  • Civil & Construction Contractors
  • Utility & Infrastructure Workers
  • Excavation & Earthmoving Operators
  • Any Workplace Conducting Trenching Activities

 

Additional Resources:

Included with the purchase is a free copy of our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List to support your WHS documentation.

 

Ensure your team has the right procedures in place for excavation safety. Download the Trenching & Excavation SWMS today and help maintain a compliant and secure work environment.

Trenching and Excavation SWMS

$69.95Price
GST Included

We accept the following payment methods:

  • ✅ Instant delivery via email.
    ✅ Easily add your logo and business details.
    ✅ Fully Editable (Microsoft Word Format).
    ✅ Customisation instructions provided.
    ✅ In line with Australian legislation.
    ✅ Pay once, no ongoing subscriptions.
    ✅ 12 months email & phone support.

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FREE

What Our Clients Are Saying

Exceptional Service

Delivered exceptional service for our WHS document needs. The documents were highly professional, delivered promptly, and their customer service was excellent. They exceeded our expectations, making the process stress-free and efficient. We highly recommend Everything OHS and will definitely return for future needs. Thank you!”

Luisa Cubito
Urban Demolition

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Impressively Quick

“Very helpful and an impressively quick turnaround for a customised OHS manual. The interaction was seamless, and the provided document is aligned with the current regulations. Very happy, would highly recommend.”

Tracey Colver

CombiTel

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Highly Recommend

“Would highly recommend Everything OHS for your business needs.  We reached out and received a reply straight away.  The service was quick and helpful and very happy to help.”

Nadine

Fergs Haulage

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Important Disclaimer: All products are provided under licence for your internal business use only and are not legal advice. It is your responsibility to ensure the product is suitable for your intended purpose. We recommend obtaining independent professional advice before use. By purchasing or downloading, you agree to our Terms & Conditions. Australian Consumer Law rights apply.

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