Greens Maintenance Equipment Safe Work Method Statement

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

Greens Maintenance Equipment Safe Work Method Statement

Greens Maintenance Equipment 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 Greens Maintenance Equipment 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 Greens Maintenance Equipment 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. Mowers
  9. Rollers
  10. Aerators
  11. Fertiliser spreaders
  12. Sprayers
  13. Spreader/ screeder
  14. Vacuum
  15. On completion

The Greens Maintenance Equipment Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Greens Maintenance Equipment 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. Be mindful of snakes or spiders in longer grass or vegetation.
  2. Ensure regular maintenance of greens maintenance equipment.
  3. Always wear proper PPE; safety glasses, ear muffs or plugs, gloves, appropriate clothing, wide brim hat, sunscreen when needed.

Greens Maintenance Equipment 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 Greens Maintenance Equipment 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 greens maintenance equipment project as needed, making sure that your Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own greens maintenance equipment SWMS.

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

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

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

Your Greens Maintenance Equipment Safe Work Method StatementTemplate should list any high risk construction work, such as:

  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2meters?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than1.5 m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the greens maintenance equipment work outlined in the Greens Maintenance Equipment SWMS involve diving work? 

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Greens Maintenance Equipment 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 Greens Maintenance Equipment.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with greens maintenance equipment and ensure that:

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

Greens Maintenance Equipment Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Secure all areas where green keeping work is being carried out from unauthorised entry by using barriers, fencing, and exclusion signs and notices place signs at each entry point to affected areas.
  • Areas where work has been carried out should not be opened to the public until all work is completed and all machinery, tools and equipment removed never allow public entry until work is completed and area safe.
  • Connect electrical equipment to circuit protected by safety switch never use on unprotected circuit.
  • Test outdoor electrical equipment and tag every 3 months never use if out of test.
  • Do not allow smoking and ignition sources in areas where fuel is decanted no smoking where fuel is present.
  • Use internal combustion equipment in well-ventilated or outdoor areas only avoid starting motors indoors.
  • Make sure that all guards are fitted to prevent touching moving parts never use without guards.
  • Check that electric leads are kept well away from mowing path at all times keep leads away from work area.
  • Use guards to prevent objects being thrown from under mower wear eye and foot protection.
  • Do not place hands or feet under mower when motor is running keep hand and fingers clear.
  • Allow only qualified operators to operate construction-type rollers never allow unauthorised operation.
  • Make sure that all other persons are well away from machinery in operation secure area before work starts.
  • Allow only trained persons to operate smoothing and finishing rollers never allow unauthorised operation.
  • Check that electric leads are kept well away from rollers at all times keep leads away from work area.
  • Check that coring tines are clear, and that foot plate is securely attached keep tines clear to allow easy coring.
  • Select tine pattern to allow tines to penetrate fully without over-exertion.
  • Avoid jerking when removing aerator tines from turf after treading in make sure proper lifting procedures are followed.
  • Make sure that tine spiders are securely attached to axle assembly wear gloves when handling rough or sharp objects and parts.
  • Make sure that all controls operate correctly, including tine lifter.
  • Make sure that all guards are fitted to the machine before use never use without guards.
  • Raise tines before attempting to turn machine to commence next run wear safety footwear.
  • Be careful to lift correctly when placing or removing weights on pins make sure proper lifting procedures are followed.
  • Obtain assistance to lift machine when loading or unloading, or lifting machine over ditches on to bowling greens use ramp over ditch to remove.
  • Ensure even spread of product by checking operation of spreader unit.
  • Open bags and fill hoppers in well-ventilated area to avoid breathing dust wear eye and hand protection and dust mask while handling or spreading fertilisers.
  • Always refer to MSDS for specific precautions.
  • Clean and maintain equipment to manufacturer’s instructions after use.
  • Never over-reach when emptying bags into spreader hopper.
  • Never let fertilisers touch skin and eyes when loading or cleaning hoppers and spreaders.
  • Avoid spraying herbicides or pesticides in wet, windy or hot conditions do not allow smoking when handling or applying fertilisers.
  • Always wear protective clothing and equipment as recommended by product manufacturer when handling or applying chemicals wearing eye, hand, body and respiratory protection is necessary.
  • Hand-held units are suitable for small spot-spraying applications only.
  • Check unit for leaks by pressurising before placing on body wash hands after use.
  • Make sure that back-pack straps are properly adjusted and that unit seats securely against body when fitted never use unit if leaking.
  • Adjust position of unit to allow easy operation of pump handle and sprayer.
  • Never mix more chemical than is required to carry out the planned work never over-fill tank.
  • Make sure that system is not leaking, and that all controls operate correctly.
  • Never apply in conditions that will cause spray drift, or will place operator at risk of exposure while applying chemical never spray in adverse weather.
  • Do not allow persons in sprayed areas until chemical has dried.
  • Always dispose of unused chemical in approved manner.
  • Sieve media to be spread to ensure that it is free from lumps or stones make sure proper handling practices are being followed when using hand tools.
  • Do not dump large quantities of media in one place spread evenly.
  • Select most appropriate type and size of spreader for the type of media being spread, the quantity to be spread, and the finished depth of the media.
  • Use appropriate number of persons to handle larger spreaders and screeds to avoid over-exertion or strain injury make sure adequate numbers of persons are available.
  • Make sure that handles are fitted properly, and that knuckles operate properly never use faulty equipment.
  • Empty collector bag regularly to reduce weight and increase efficiency provide means of emptying bags.
  • Inspect bag for tears or holes, and repair or replace damaged section ensure bags are kept in good conditions.
  • In dry or dusty conditions, consider the use of dust mask wear goggles and dust mask.

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.