Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement

Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement

Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next big contract or government tender - the Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Security of site
  8. Inspection of site
  9. Safety of persons on site
  10. Trenching safety
  11. On completion

The Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS/OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. You must also make sure all sides of the trench are supported by shoring, benching or battering.
  2. Acquire information of the location and depth of underground pipes, cables & other essentials.
  3. Make the information readily available for inspection.

Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement

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  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMSTemplate and then adjust the document for each different excavation work under1.5 project as needed, making sure that your Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own excavation work under 1.5 SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS such as:

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to excavation work under 1.5 work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the excavation work under 1.5 work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the excavation work under 1.5 work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS after an incident or a near miss. 

Note: The Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the excavation work under 1.5 work is completed. Where the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement, the ExcavationWork Under 1.5 SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the ExcavationWork Under 1.5 SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the excavation work under 1.5 work outlined in the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc 

The Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Excavation WorkUnder 1.5 SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to excavation work under 1.5 work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Excavation WorkUnder 1.5 and their health and safety representatives who represented that workgroup at the workplace. 

When the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the excavation work under 1.5 work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised ExcavationWork Under 1.5 SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the excavation work under 1.5 work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Excavation Work Under1.5 SWMS. 

When preparing your Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Excavation Work Under 1.5.

When writing your Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Excavation Work Under 1.5in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for excavation work under 1.5work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Excavation Work Under 1.5
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Excavation Work Under 1.5 operations
  • Ensure the Excavation Work Under 1.5 and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting excavation work under 1.5 work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented.

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when doing excavation work under 1.5 and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the excavation work under 1.5 work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct excavation work under 1.5 work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting excavation work under 1.5 work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS details
  5. If conducting Excavation Work Under 1.5 at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for excavation work under 1.5 work

Excavation Work Under 1.5 Training and Worker Qualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Excavation Work Under 1.5 as well as any qualifications that may be required for various excavation work under 1.5 projects before starting work.If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must:

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Excavation Work Under 1.5 operations and excavation work under 1.5 work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Excavation Work Under 1.5 SWMS 

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Excavation Work Under 1.5 Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • Ensure that the worksite is protected from passing traffic.
  • Appropriate traffic controls may be used, such as detours or side-tracks, fencing and barricading, road closures (part or full), traffic control devices (such as portable traffic lights, barriers, bollards and traffic cones, temporary traffic lights, etc.), and traffic controllers (where there is a need for controlling the traffic flow manually through the worksite).
  • Pedestrians must be provided with a safe path outside the work area.
  • An excavation must have a hoarding or barricade of at least900mm, erected around it. This may not be necessary, if no member of the public are likely to be nearby the excavation or if it is not possible to erect.
  • Pedestrians may need to be diverted to the other side of the road for their safety.
  • If a footpath has to be closed, a safe means must be provided for crossing the road at each end.
  • For proper advice on use of devices and signs for working on roads, refer to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
  • When providing pedestrian pathway, the types of pedestrians using the path must be taken into account. This should include any special needs such as disability, mobility, etc.
  • For assessing any risk of flooding of the trench or a cave-in due to ground conditions, inspection of the site by a competent person is necessary before excavation commences, and ensuring that the trench is safe for a person to enter.
  • To prevent a cave-in or collapse of a trench or excavation, where a person is required to enter, it must be shielded or shored, battered or benched.
  • Before excavation commences, identify the control measures necessary for preventing any risk of collapse of adjoining structures, such asa road or building.
  • The control measures are to be implemented before the risk eventuates.
  • Before the excavation of a site commences, existence of underground services, such as telecommunications, electricity, gas, water, etc., must be located.
  • Before digging starts, the information must include the depth, number and type of service. A representative of the concerned utility may be requested to be present on-site, if there is a possibility of risk of damage.
  • The job records must include a written record of the representations, responses and requests made. This must include the names and oppositions of persons.
  • The safety of trenching work must be ensured by engaging a competent person.
  • For benching, the height must not exceed the width.
  • Battering angle must not exceed 45?
  • Use the free Australia-wide service for all underground services - Dial 1100 before you dig.
  • Suitable high-visibility garments must be provided to and worn by all persons working in areas where traffic or mobile plant is or could be present.
  • Suitable reflectorised or safety vests must be provided to and worn by people working in traffic areas at night.
  • A high risk of foot injury is associated with excavations and excavation sites.
  • Work below ground levels, use or power tools, plant or machinery involves risk of head injury.
  • Objects falling into trench or excavations must be prevented by providing suitable means.
  • Gases from vehicle exhausts may affect trenches or excavations adjacent to roadways.
  • Do not place excavated material less than 600mm from the edge of an excavation for minimising the risk of collapse from the weight of the spoil.
  • Wearing high-visibility garments is recommended.
  • Wearing safety footwear is recommended.
  • Wearing head protection is recommended.
  • Forced ventilation from safe areas must be provided to excavations.
  • A trench that is 1 meter or more in depth must be barricaded to a height of at least 900mm, unless another form of barrier exists, such as excavated materials near the trench, or it is not possible or only workers involved in the trench will be in the area.
  • Do not place excavated material less than 600mm from the edge of an excavation for minimising the risk of collapse from the weight of the spoil.
  • To prevent cave-in or collapse of an excavation, where the possibility of collapse or cave-in exists, it must be battered, benched, shielded or shored.
  • The area where work will be carried out must have ladders placed no more than 9m apart.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.