How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks 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 loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks project as needed, making sure that your Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS such as:

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

Note: The Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work is completed. Where the Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks Safe Work Method Statement, the Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident. 

Your Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

Your Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading DocksSafe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

• Forklift
• Crane
• Hoist
• Working In Public Areas
• Backhoe
• Loader
• Boom Lift
• Elevated Work Platform (EWP)
• Genie Lift
• Trencher
• Drilling Rig
• Trucks
• Formwork
• Bobcat
• Flammable Gas
• Fuel
• Dozer
• High Voltage
• Mulcher
• Tilt-up Panels
• Roller
• Scissor Lift
• Tractor 

Your Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks 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 Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

1. All persons involved in the loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks 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 Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS; and,
3. Workers that will be involved in the loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS.

When preparing your Loading And Unloading Meat – IncludesLoading Docks 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 LoadingAnd Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks.

When writing your Loading And Unloading Meat – IncludesLoading Docks SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when excavating and ensure that:

1. A risk assessment of the loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work is conducted
2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work safely
3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work
4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS details
5. If conducting Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
6. Check that the work environment is suitable for loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work

Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks Training and Worker Qualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks as well as any qualifications that may be required for various loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks 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 Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks operations and loading and unloading meat – includes loading docks work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks SWMS 

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Loading And Unloading Meat – Includes Loading Docks Safe Work Method Statement Template:

• Locate loading docks for easy access by service vehicles, but separate them from public entrances or walkways, etc. by providing marked walkways for pedestrians away from traffic paths.
• Do not allow persons jumping from or climbing onto loading docks do not allow climbing on to or jumping off from docks.
• Use barrier or chain with sign to identify hazard and to limit access to dock.
• Highlight the edge of dock and provide visible barrier across opening to alert forklift operators of hazard zone always provide boom or other similar visible physical barrier.
• Always designate the area in front of dock as a no go zone for pedestrians also designate no go area on the floor.
• Make sure that all persons working near loading docks and vehicular or forklift traffic are wearing high-visibility garments at all times.
• Keep stock, pallets and other items well away from dock openings keep docks clear at all times.
• Make sure that trucks, trailers, etc., are backed up fully to edge of ramp and secured to prevent movement while loading or unloading always provide mechanical restraint or chocking to prevent movement.
• Edge of dock should be clearly identified (marked with contrasting colour) mark edge with non-slip yellow.
• Provide dock plate or similar means of smooth access to vehicle being loaded or unloaded for forklifts, trolleys, etc. provide dock plates with raised edges for safety.
• Ensure edge of ramp is in safe condition to maintain stability of loads replace ramp promptly if worn or damaged.
• Make sure that edge of dock is adjusted to suit height of body being accessed.
• Make sure that ramp is firmly touching the tray or container at all times.
• Adjust height of dock (if necessary) as height of body changes during loading or unloading.
• Always isolate and lock out dock before maintenance.
• Inspect all the dock regularly and lubricate hinges, etc.,to make sure of free movement.
• Make sure that truck or trailer wheels are securely chocked to prevent movement of unit during loading or unloading always provide mechanical restraint or chocking to prevent movement.
• Always follow safe manual handling techniques when lifting, as request the help of additional personnel for any item that is too heavy to lift individually.
• Be sure to keep the loading area free from any slippery surfaces and trip hazards to remove the possibility of slips, trips and falls.
• If working in a cold environment for long periods, always take periodic breaks and ensure that warm clothing is used to keep warm.
• Always use gloves and protective equipment when handling raw meat, including a face mask if necessary to avoid inhaling bacteria.

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.