This 9-page Working Outdoors Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides detailed safety controls, hazard identification, and step-by-step procedures for tasks performed in outdoor environments. Designed by WHS experts, it helps businesses manage risks associated with weather conditions, wildlife, site hazards, and environmental factors.
 
This SWMS is pre-filled, ready to use, and aligned with Australian WHS legislation. It supports businesses in meeting their legal obligations while keeping workers safe and maintaining compliance. Suitable for all Australian states and territories, the template is fully editable in Microsoft Word, making it easy to customise with your company name, logo, site-specific details, and operational requirements.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
This SWMS is ideal for businesses and trades that regularly perform outdoor work, including:
Construction companies and civil contractors
Landscaping and gardening services
Electrical and telecommunications technicians
Plumbing and drainage contractors
Environmental and land management services
Maintenance, repair, and cleaning providers
Agricultural, farming, and forestry businesses
Councils, local government, and infrastructure teams
 
What This SWMS Covers
This comprehensive SWMS details the activities, hazards, and control measures associated with working outdoors, including:
Site Arrival & Inspection – risk assessment, inductions, identifying hazards, and ensuring safe site entry
Heat and Sun Exposure – managing risks of heat stress, dehydration, and sunburn through PPE, hydration, and scheduling controls
Cold and Wet Weather – minimising slips, trips, and hypothermia with appropriate protective clothing and work stoppage protocols
Wildlife Hazards – managing risks from snakes, spiders, insects, and other outdoor hazards with repellent use, PPE, and first aid response procedures
Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention – identifying unsafe surfaces, barricading open trenches, and implementing site controls
Plant and Equipment Safety – ensuring correct use of PPE, hazard marking, and traffic management around powered mobile plant
Emergency Response Procedures – knowing isolation points, fire safety equipment, and site emergency plans
Incident Management – steps to follow in case of injury, environmental hazard, or property damage
Environmental Change Protocols – reassessing hazards when site or environmental conditions alter unexpectedly
 
What’s Included in Your Template
Pre-filled, ready-to-use SWMS document
Step-by-step procedures and safety controls
Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
Hazard identification and control measures
PPE requirements for outdoor tasks
Plant and equipment checklist
Relevant legislation, regulations, codes, and standards
Worker induction and sign-off page
 
 
This Working Outdoors SWMS template is an essential tool for safely managing outdoor activities while maintaining WHS compliance. Designed for quick editing and seamless customisation, it’s perfect for tenders, safety audits, and day-to-day operations.
 
Get your Working Outdoors SWMS today and start using it instantly!