Improve worksite safety & minimise risks with this SWMS. This Skid Steer Operation Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to identifying and managing hazards related to skid steer operations. It details key risk mitigation strategies, hazard controls, and best practices to help businesses comply with Australian workplace safety standards while ensuring safe and efficient equipment use.
 
Hazards & Control Measures Covered:
1️⃣ Planning & Risk Assessment
Site Induction & Pre-Start Meeting – Ensures all personnel are informed of site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and operational requirements before commencing work.
Daily Pre-Start Inspections – Requires skid steer operators to conduct pre-start checks, including verifying controls, hydraulic levels, and attachments.
Work Area Hazard Identification – Mandates reviewing ground conditions, overhead obstructions, and exclusion zones before operation.
2️⃣ Equipment Operation & Load Handling
Safe Equipment Access – Requires maintaining three points of contact when entering and exiting the skid steer.
Unstable Ground & Machine Rollover Risks – Mandates assessing soil conditions and avoiding operating on excessive slopes without additional controls.
Collision & Pedestrian Risks – Ensures exclusion zones are maintained, reversing is minimised, and spotters are used when necessary.
Load Stability & Bucket Operation – Requires loads to be evenly distributed, kept low while moving, and not exceeding the skid steer’s safe working load limits.
3️⃣ Traffic Management & Site Safety
Operating Near Other Vehicles & Machinery – Mandates clear communication with site personnel and maintaining safe working distances.
Reversing & Visibility Controls – Requires skid steers to be fitted with reversing alarms, mirrors, and flashing lights.
Public Safety Precautions – Mandates barricading work areas, using appropriate signage, and restricting public access to active zones.
4️⃣ Environmental & Exposure Hazards
Dust & Airborne Particles – Requires dust suppression measures such as water spraying or protective face masks when necessary.
Adverse Weather Conditions – Mandates work stoppage during high winds, heavy rain, or other hazardous weather conditions that could affect stability or visibility.
Noise & Vibration Exposure – Ensures operators wear hearing protection and take breaks to reduce fatigue from prolonged exposure.
5️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response
First Aid & Fire Safety Awareness – Ensures all workers know the location and use of first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
Incident Reporting & Emergency Protocols – Requires immediate reporting of injuries, equipment failures, or unexpected site hazards, with emergency procedures activated as needed.
Refuelling Safety & Spill Prevention – Mandates refuelling in designated areas, away from ignition sources, with spill kits readily available.
 
Key Features of the SWMS:
Regulatory Compliance – Helps businesses align with Australian workplace safety laws and best practices for skid steer operation.
Hazard Identification & Risk Control – Covers essential safety measures to mitigate risks when operating a skid steer.
Emergency Preparedness – Establishes clear response procedures for incidents, equipment malfunctions, and environmental hazards.
Fully Customisable Content – Easily adaptable for various job sites and skid steer applications.
 
Who is This SWMS Suitable For?
This Skid Steer Operation SWMS is essential for:
Earthmoving & Construction Contractors
Civil & Infrastructure Project Teams
Landscaping & Site Preparation Workers
Any Workplace Using Skid Steers for Material Handling
 
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 follows the correct procedures for skid steer operation. Download the Skid Steer Operation SWMS today and help maintain a compliant and secure work environment.