Harvester Mounted Pruner Safe Work Method Statement

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

Harvester Mounted Pruner Safe Work Method Statement

Harvester Mounted Pruner 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 Harvester Mounted Pruner 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 Harvester Mounted Pruner 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 on site conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Harvester (See SWP TRACTOR)
  8. Hydraulic system
  9. Inspection and adjustment of attachment
  10. Operation
  11. Maintenance
  12. Travel and transport
  13. On completion

The Harvester Mounted Pruner Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Harvester Mounted Pruner 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. Make sure all guards and shields are in place.
  2. Never clean, maintain, adjust or clear debris jams when the machine is running.
  3. During harvesting ensure that operators wear tight clothing and secure their hair to avoid entanglement.

Harvester Mounted Pruner 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 Harvester Mounted Pruner 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 harvester mounted pruner project as needed, making sure that your Harvester Mounted Pruner SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Harvester Mounted Pruner SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own harvester mounted pruner SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Harvester Mounted Pruner 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 Harvester Mounted Pruner.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with harvester mounted pruner and ensure that:

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

Harvester Mounted Pruner Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Check working of horn, brakes, reflectors, lights and mirrors prior to starting replace or rectify faulty parts.
  • Refuel in a well-ventilated area do not allow smoking when refuelling.
  • Inspect that wheel nuts are secure and that tyres are correctly inflated.
  • Drive at a safe speed where you have full control at all times drive at lower speeds when turning.
  • Never exceed a speed of 5 -10 km ph depending on the conditions always descend slopes in low gear.
  • Check hydraulic system before starting (oil level). Top up with proper oil wearing eye and hand protection is essential.
  • Check hoses, rams and fittings after starting for leaks avoid touching hydraulic oil under pressure.
  • Never remove power pack lid under any circumstances.
  • Never use faulty equipment.
  • Wearing PVC or heavy-duty gloves is essential.
  • Before commencing work on attachment, make sure to disengage drive to hydraulic pump and set controls to OFF position never work on machinery that can be set in motion.
  • Always make sure there is no debris in foliage wire cages.
  • Check daily to make sure that blades are in good working condition and that all nuts and bolts are secure wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Make sure that all guards are in place before operating machine never remove any guards.
  • Avoid touching sharp edges when changing or adjusting blades wearing cut-resistant gloves is necessary.
  • Obtain assistance when necessary to remove or replace components make sure proper handling procedures are followed.
  • Before starting harvester, make sure that all switches in the pruner control panel are in the OFF position sound the horn before starting.
  • Keep people well clear from machinery whilst in operation do not allow persons in work areas.
  • Erect warning signs around boundaries of work site before starting pruning.
  • Hearing protection may be required if not working in enclosed cabin wearing eye and hearing protection may be necessary.
  • If cutting blades jam, seize or malfunction, remain at controls and turn hydraulic control immediately to NEUTRAL, then place control into REVERSE to dislodge the obstruction. If this fails to remove the obstruction, turn the machine off completely and remove the object manually with a suitable implement never attempt to clear jams when machine is running.
  • Always wear eye and hand protection when removing obstructions.
  • Use suitable footwear to maintain a good grip on steps and ladders use industrial footwear.
  • Exit the machine only when it is in neutral or park and the h and brake is on.
  • De-power all hydraulics before re-configuring the headset-up.
  • Perform regular maintenance and service checks as outlined in operator’s manual.
  • Lower the operating heads to the ground before changing cutting blade.
  • Use only the cap screws and blades supplied by the manufacturer.
  • Before returning machine to service, make sure that all bolts and blade screws are securely tightened.
  • Make sure that the head and blade configuration being used does not exceed the minimum clearances heights of overhead electric wires in the work area be careful when moving near or under power lines.
  • Use hazard warning lamps and signs as required by local road authority when transporting the pruner on public roads never exceed safe speed of 5 -10 km ph depending on road conditions.
  • Lower and centre attachments for stability when travelling.
  • Make sure that machine is securely anchored to the vehicle when transporting by truck after transporting, check all parts of the machine before use.
  • Follow safe procedures for loading and unloading machine from truck.

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.