Grader Safe Work Method Statement

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

Grader Safe Work Method Statement

Grader 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 Grader 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 Grader 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. Pre-start checks
  9. Start-up procedure
  10. operation
  11. Shut-down procedure
  12. Cleaning of machine
  13. Maintenance
  14. On completion

The Grader Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Grader 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. It's important to be fully aware of other vehicles, people/animals, surface conditions and overhead power lines during the operation of the grader.
  2. Park the machine on a level service and lower the blade and any attachments to the ground.
  3. Lock up the machine if you are shutting it down for the night or weekend.

Grader Safe Work Method Statement

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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 Grader 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 grader project as needed, making sure that your Grader SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Grader 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 Grader.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

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

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

Grader Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • On-site operators of plants must wear PPE as required.
  • All persons who work near vehicles or plants must wear high-visibility garments.
  • Use reversing beeper and orange flashing lamps to warn of hazard from plant.
  • Wearing foot protection is essential.
  • Wearing high-visibility vest or shirt is necessary.
  • Check all hydraulics and battery fluids, water, oils, including all other fluid levels.
  • Check the operation of all warning signals, flashers and lights.
  • Check all the tyres for damage or wear to casings or tread, correct pressure.
  • Inspect all parts for missing or loose fasteners, screws or bolts.
  • Inspect for damage to ripper tines and mouldboard blade.
  • Inspect for any damage or leaks on hydraulic hoses, rams, etc.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Wearing hand protection is necessary when handling sharp or rough objects.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Avoid damage by following the start-up procedures specified by the manufacturer.
  • Make sure that all covers and safeguards are fitted correctly and closed.
  • Make sure all ladders and steps are in good condition and clean.
  • Ensure three points of body contact when leaving or entering cabin.
  • Adjust the seat to suit the stature of the operator, adjust and fasten the seat belt.
  • Inspect that mirror are in good condition and adjust to obtain good rear and side views.
  • Make sure that park brake is engaged and the transmission is in neutral.
  • Allow a low idle time of about 5 minutes for engine to warn up.
  • Cycle through all controls to allow warn oil to circulate through entire system.
  • Check the operation of brakes, steering, and transmission and ripper/blade functions.
  • Depress the service brake, engage transmission and release the parking brake.
  • Move the transmission to desired direction and gear, and then move off smoothly.
  • Never use machinery without guards.
  • Always keep footwear and steps clean.
  • Never carry objects in hands.
  • Make sure all controls are in the neutral position before starting machinery.
  • After engine warm up, recheck the transmission and hydraulic fluid levels.
  • Make sure there are no persons near machine and raise all lowered implements before moving.
  • Do not operate the machine beyond the recommendations of the manufacturer.
  • When travelling downhill, selecting a lower gear will allow utilisation of engine braking.
  • Use the tilt on the front wheel for stabilising the machine when grading on a slope.
  • Always ground the mouldboard when changing pin position on the link bar.
  • Inspect the terrain and area being graded for obstacles such as stumps or rocks that may cause the machine to stop suddenly when ripping or grading.
  • Always use a flashing light for warning others of presence while operating near other machinery, persons or near traffic on roadways, etc.
  • Make sure there is sufficient space when executing turns in traffic.
  • Always refer to the operator's manual.
  • Do not rely only on the service brake.
  • Do not grade on slopes greater than specified in the operator's manuals.
  • Always select a lower speed when operating on stony or rough ground.
  • Reduce temperature of machine by allowing it to idle down before shutting it down.
  • Apply the parking brake, disengage the transmission, lower all implements to ground and place all controls in the neutral position before stopping the engine.
  • Turn off all the lights and turn the battery disconnect to off position (if fitted).
  • Do not let engine to shut down suddenly.
  • Lower all the implements always before parking or shutting the machine down.
  • Do not attempt to clean any moving part in grader when the engine is still running.
  • Use suitable implement or tool for removing dirt build-up from the ring gear, link bar and any other moving parts of the grader.
  • Make sure all electrical panels and filler caps are closed and parts are covered before using high-pressure water cleaners to wash down or degrease.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is essential when handling, cleaning rough or sharp objects and when using high-pressure cleaners.
  • Make sure that the machine is shut down and the hydraulic pressure is released before carrying out work on mountings or implements.
  • Prevent accidental movement by making sure that parts are blocked or supported before removing mounting bolts or pins, etc.
  • Be careful when moving or lifting heavy parts, or using large tools.
  • Use mechanical aids or obtain assistance for lifting or moving heavy loads.
  • Do not allow skin and eyes to contact lubricants, cleaners, acid, etc.
  • Do not allow machine or parts movement when being worked on.
  • Do not work on or under any unsupported part or blade.
  • Proper lifting and manual handling practices must be observed.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is essential.

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.