Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement

Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement

Excavator Attachments 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 Excavator Attachments 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 Excavator Attachments 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. General precautions
  8. Ripper
  9. Rock breaker / hammer
  10. Grapple / grab
  11. Compactor wheel / drum
  12. Auger
  13. Tamper
  14. On completion

The Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Excavator Attachments 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. Excavation attachments should be restrained on the deck of the float.
  2. If the operator loses visuals on the worker, they should stop operations until they re-establish sight of the worker.
  3. If smaller attachments are being transported in a larger bucket, these attachments must be securely restrained to the bucket carrying them.

Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement.
  • 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 Excavator Attachments 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 SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different excavator attachments project as needed, making sure that your Excavator Attachments SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Excavator Attachments SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own excavator attachments SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Excavator Attachments SWMS such as:

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

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

Your Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method StatementTemplate should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

Your Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the worksite, such as:

Your Excavator Attachments 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 Excavator Attachments SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Excavator Attachments SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to excavator attachments work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Excavator Attachments and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace. 

When the Excavator Attachments SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  1. All persons involved in the excavator attachments work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Excavator Attachments 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 Excavator Attachments SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the excavator attachments work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Excavator Attachments SWMS.

When preparing your Excavator Attachments 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 Excavator Attachments.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with excavator attachments and ensure that: 

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

Excavator Attachments Training and Worker Qualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Excavator Attachments as well as any qualifications that may be required for various excavator attachments projects before starting work. IfWhite 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 Excavator Attachments SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Excavator Attachments operations and excavator attachments work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Excavator Attachments SWMS 

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

  • Make sure the hitch is proper for the attachment and that the hitch is undamaged and clean.
  • Be careful while removing attachments from trailer or vehicle. Make sure the attachment is secure in bucket or on arm before being lifted to ground.
  • Before use, check all fittings and hydraulic hose are properly connected.
  • When fitting or lifting attachments, make sure all persons are clear of the excavator.
  • When not being used, attachment should be stored such that they can be readily re-attached to the excavator, without the need for manual repositioning or movement.
  • While fitting and changing attachments, be careful and keep hands away from nip and pinch points.
  • When fitting locating pins, make sure they are free of burrs, etc.
  • For easier hitching and to avoid grit, etc., falling on working parts and connectors, hitches, etc., place the attachments on pallets or dunnage.
  • Never use faulty equipment.
  • Before using, make sure the hitch operates properly.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Never be within an area where an attachment is likely to fall, try standing to one side of the attachment.
  • Be careful of keeping hands out of areas where the hitch mates with the attachment.
  • When fitting pins, be careful to keep hands and fingers clear.
  • Attachments must be stored in safe locations and packed to prevent falling.
  • Ripper attachments must be handled with care, since they have sharp edges and nicks on cutting tooth and edges of tine.
  • While removing teeth from attachments, always stand to one side or the rear.
  • For operating ripper from a non-insulated operator position, hearing protection may be required.
  • When handling sharp and rough objects, wearing gloves is recommended.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • When handling the tool bit of the attachment, be careful to avoid nicks and sharp edges on the cutting faces on the tool.
  • Determine the 85dB radius by referring to the manufacturer's manual.
  • Make sure all persons within this zone are wearing the appropriate PPE.
  • For handling sharp and rough objects, wearing gloves is recommended.
  • Make sure the operator is wearing eye and hearing protection.
  • Ensure all persons are clear of the grapple, when grasping rock like objects, which could easily fall off the grapple when lifted.
  • When lifting long objects such as poles, tree parts, etc., make sure other persons are not near.
  • A test lift should always be performed for checking the security of objects in the jaws.
  • For loading objects into trailer, trucks, etc., never lift any higher than necessary.
  • When detaching from the boom, make sure the unit is secured from falling.
  • When transporting, pack or chock the compactor wheels to prevent any movements.
  • During operation of compactor, take care to keep clothing, hands, etc., well clear of the wheel, to prevent clothing, etc., from catching on feet.
  • Before detaching the hitch, make sure the wheel is prevented from movement.
  • Before detaching from the hitch, ensure that the compactor attachment is laid down.
  • All persons must be kept well away from the moving compactor wheel.
  • To prevent movement, chock or pack the wheels.
  • When detaching from boom, make sure the unit is secured from falling.
  • When transporting, the auger spiral must be packed or chocked to prevent any movement.
  • Before lifting, make sure the auger spiral is attached securely to the motor unit.
  • Before commencing to drill, make sure the areas when holes must be drilled are free from hazards and all underground services are located.
  • When in operation, make sure all the persons are kept away from the auger.
  • If any unauthorised person approaches the hole, for any reason whatsoever, the operator must stop the auger.
  • Before starting to clean the spiral, make sure the auger is completely stopped.
  • For cleaning dirt, etc., from the auger, always use a bar or tool with a handle.
  • Always stand to one side or to the rear when removing teeth from attachments.
  • Edges may become sharp during drilling, be careful and avoid contact.
  • Before detaching from the hitch, lay down the auger attachment.
  • Make sure the pins are secured.
  • Never start to drill a site until the area has been declared safe for drilling.
  • Only those who are involved in the job should have access to the area where drilling is being carried out, and the area must be barricaded.
  • Never bring hands close to the auger.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • Wearing cut-resistant gloves is recommended.
  • When detaching from boom, make sure the unit is secured from falling.
  • When transporting the tamper attachment, pack or chock to prevent movement.
  • Be careful to keep clothing and hands away from catching on moving parts, when the tamper is in operation.
  • Before detaching the hitch, make sure the wheel is prevented from movement.
  • Tampers usually generate harmful levels of noise if solid objects are contacted or when compacting hard material.
  • During compaction, there is a risk of liquids or objects being ejected from the tamping zone.
  • Before detaching from the hitch, lay down the tamper attachment.
  • When tamper is moving, keep all people well away.
  • To prevent movement, chocking or packing may be used.
  • Wearing hearing protection is recommended.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.

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.