Help ensure compliance & protect your team with this industry-leading SWMS. This Truck Haulage Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to identifying and controlling risks associated with truck haulage operations. It outlines hazard controls, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices to help businesses adhere to Australian workplace safety standards when transporting materials and operating heavy vehicles.
 
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 required PPE before work begins.
Pre-Operational Inspections – Mandates daily pre-start inspections of trucks, trailers, and associated equipment to confirm operational safety.
Risk Assessment & Site Inspection – Ensures hazards such as uneven ground, excavations, and storage areas are identified and controlled before truck operations commence.
Traffic Management Planning – Requires reviewing site traffic conditions and ensuring all operators follow the Site Traffic Management Plan.
2️⃣ Truck Operation & Movement
Vehicle Collisions & Pedestrian Risks – Mandates designated vehicle routes, the use of UHF radios for communication, and the presence of spotters when reversing.
Manual Handling & Access Safety – Requires maintaining three points of contact when accessing the truck cabin and using steps and handrails correctly.
Truck Stability & Load Securing – Ensures all loads are correctly restrained, and tipping only occurs on level ground to prevent vehicle rollover.
Road & Worksite Driving – Mandates that operators follow all road and site-specific rules, including maintaining a clear line of sight and adhering to speed limits.
3️⃣ Load Handling & Tipping
Overloading & Load Shifting Risks – Requires operators to adhere to the truck's Safe Working Load (SWL) limits and distribute loads evenly.
Dropped Load & Unstable Material – Mandates using spotters when unloading, ensuring bystanders are clear, and keeping a stable footing when handling materials.
Tipping Safety & Exclusion Zones – Ensures no personnel are in the path of the tipping load and that vehicles are equipped with operational warning devices.
4️⃣ Electrical Hazards & Overhead Power Lines
Pre-Lift Power Line Check – Requires assessment of the work area for overhead electrical conductors before truck operation.
Minimum Safe Working Distances – Mandates maintaining a minimum 3-metre clearance from power lines, or additional controls if closer work is required.
Emergency Procedures for Electrical Contact – Outlines response actions if the truck or load makes contact with power lines, including work cessation and site emergency activation.
5️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Response
First Aid & Incident Reporting – Ensures all personnel are aware of first aid locations and emergency contact procedures.
Fire Safety & Refuelling Protocols – Mandates refuelling in well-ventilated areas, ensuring the vehicle is switched off, and keeping an SDS for fuel on-site.
Weather & Environmental Hazards – Requires stopping work during severe weather conditions that could impact safe truck operations.
 
Key Features of the SWMS:
Regulatory Compliance – Helps you align with Australian workplace safety laws and heavy vehicle transport regulations.
Hazard Identification & Risk Control – Comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate truck haulage-related dangers.
Emergency Preparedness – Clear response plans for vehicle collisions, load stability, and electrical hazards.
Fully Customisable Content – Easily editable to suit specific job sites and work environments.
 
Who is This SWMS Suitable For?
This Truck Haulage SWMS is essential for:
Heavy Vehicle Operators & Transport Companies
Construction & Infrastructure Projects
Logistics & Freight Transport Businesses
Any Workplace Involved in Truck Haulage Operations
 
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 workforce is equipped with the right procedures for truck haulage safety. Download the Truck Haulage SWMS today and help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.