Mini Skid Steer Equipment Safe Work Method Statement

Mini Skid Steer Equipment Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Mini Skid Steer Equipment Safe Work Method Statement

Mini Skid Steer 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 Mini Skid Steer 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, and 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 Mini Skid Steer 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. Pre-start checks
  8. Attachments
  9. Operator position
  10. Travel
  11. Operation
  12. Parking
  13. Maintenance
  14. Transport
  15. On completion

The Mini Skid Steer Equipment Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Mini Skid Steer 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. Always read and understand the operator's manual before using the piece of equipment.
  2. Always lower the bucket or attachment so that it is flat on the ground.
  3. Do not leave the operator's seat while the engine is on.

Mini Skid Steer 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 Mini Skid Steer 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 SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different mini skid steer equipment project as needed, making sure that your Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own mini skid steer equipment SWMS.

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

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications. 
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to mini skid steer equipment work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the mini skid steer 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 mini skid steer equipment work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS after an incident or a near miss. 

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

Your Mini Skid Steer Equipment Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

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

Your Mini Skid Steer 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 Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to mini skid steer 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 Mini Skid Steer Equipment and their health and safety representatives who represented that workgroup at the workplace.

When the Mini Skid Steer Equipment SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the mini skid steer equipment work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Mini Skid Steer 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 Mini SkidSteer Equipment SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the mini skid steer equipment work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Mini Skid SteerEquipment SWMS.

When preparing your Mini Skid Steer 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 Mini Skid Steer Equipment.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with mini skid steer equipment and ensure that:

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

Mini Skid Steer Equipment Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Inspect the battery, coolant, transmission oil, engine oil, hydraulic oil and fuel.
  • Inspect all tyres for condition and pressure. Remove any lumps of mud from the treads.
  • Inspect the tracks for condition and tension. Allowed sag is between 2.5mm and 3.8mm.
  • Inspect the instrument, lights, reversing alarm and the horn.
  • Inspect the operation of park brake, brakes and steering(both ways).
  • Make sure that all components are attached securely.
  • Wearing hand and eye protection is necessary.
  • Make sure all tyres are correctly inflated and their wheel nuts are secure.
  • Make sure there are no leaks and damages in the drive motor assembly.
  • Check all attachments and make sure there are no missing or loose parts, damage or wear.
  • Make sure all attachments are fitted securely, with clips and safety pins as necessary.
  • Inspect for excessive wear on connections and arms.
  • Make sure there are no fractures, leaks, bulges or splits on connections and hoses.
  • Before applying load, all hydraulic operations must be tested.
  • Make sure there are no fractures, leaks or splits on connections, hoses and rams.
  • Raise and lower attachments to test its operation.
  • If working underneath, make sure the attachment is supported. Wearing gloves is recommended.
  • Fit locking pins.
  • For proper operating procedures attachments, refer to the operator's manual.
  • When travelling, raise the attachments.
  • When entering or exiting from the operator's position, never use any operating lever as a hand hold.
  • Identify all gauges and levers clearly, and ensure they are within easy reach and can be read easily.
  • Preferably, all needles should be in their vertical position, when in proper operating condition.
  • Make sure that exhaust does not allow excessive fumes into the operator's zone of breathing.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the operator's platform, by removing any loose stones, mud, grease or oil, as these may cause a person to slip and fall.
  • Ventilate the workspace as necessary.
  • Do not allow passengers to be carried on skid steer equipment.
  • Never travel at speeds which could cause loss of control over bumps, etc.
  • Preferably do not drive over drains, ditches, obstacles, etc.,as this could affect control.
  • Do not travel across a slope that has a steep incline.
  • Do not take turnings or sharp turns at speed.
  • Before travelling, check the terrain.
  • Do not change gears when on a slope.
  • When travelling down a slope, use a low gear and use the engine compression as brake.
  • For turning, slow down.
  • Never lift load in excess of the loader's working load limit.
  • If you have load on the front attachment, travel at a low speed.
  • For visibility and stability, always carry the load racked back and close to the ground.
  • Raise the load only when ready to deposit.
  • Use appropriate protective equipment where there may be hazards in operation.
  • If there is a hazard to feet, wear foot protection.
  • WLL plate limits must be observed.
  • Some work situations may require wearing foot, hearing, eye and head protection.
  • When working on roads where there is other traffic, wearing high-visibility garments is recommended.
  • Whenever possible, park the machine on level ground.
  • When parking on sloping ground, position the machine 'up and down' the slope.
  • After applying the handbrake, put the transmission in the 'park' position or in neutral.
  • Lower all attachments fully and then release the pressure from the hydraulic lines.
  • If leaving machine unattended, switch the engine off and remove the keys.
  • Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is running.
  • Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot; allow to cool.
  • Inspect rims and tyres for damage, and make sure the tyre pressure is proper.
  • For rubber tracks, make sure the fitting is not loose on the rims or tyres.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Make sure all the tyres are inflated to the pressure recommended for the unit.
  • Before commencing loading or unloading of the machine, secure the area from pedestrians and traffic, by using cones or barriers, etc.
  • Before applying park brake, position the trailer or truck to minimise the ramp slope.
  • A rubber tyred machine must be loaded onto a truck or trailer by reversing slowly up the ramp, with the bucket in a lowered position.
  • The rear of the machine should face the UP ramp.
  • Refer SWP219 Transport of Plant and Machinery.
  • Make sure the machine is immobile and the parking brakes are on.

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.