This Telehandler Forklift SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers operating a telehandler or forklift with tynes, a lifting jib or a work platform. It covers 6 activities, from the pre-operation inspection to shutting down the machine, 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
Builders and civil contractors using telehandlers on site
Plant hire companies and operators
Farms and rural businesses moving bulk materials
Timber, building supply and warehousing yards
Scaffolding and steel erection crews
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers use a telehandler or forklift, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
 
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
Hazard information for workers about other work areas and new hazards
Pre-operation inspection to catch equipment faults before use
Planning the lift and checking ground conditions before start-up
Rollover risk on unstable or uneven ground
Collisions with other vehicles, workers and clients while operating
Crush injuries from rollover or contact with the machine
Correct shut-down procedure and preventing unauthorised access
Emergency response to injuries and equipment damage
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 6 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
Licence and competency requirements, including operator training on the telehandler, crane licence classes for jib work and a licensed dogger
Attachments list covering tynes, lifting jib and work platform, with daily pre-start checks
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 telehandler work?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant, or where someone on a work platform could fall more than 2 metres. Outside construction, such as in a yard or on a farm, a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
What licence does a telehandler operator need?
No high risk work licence is specified for a telehandler used with tynes or a carriage, but the operator must be trained and assessed as competent on that machine. If a jib or winch is fitted and the load is freely suspended, the telehandler is working as a crane, so the operator needs the applicable crane licence class where the rated capacity is over 3 tonnes, or a slewing crane class for a slewing unit, and a licensed dogger directs the lift.
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.