Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement

Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement

Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Looking to start work on site? Or maybe you're just looking to make your workplace safer, or possibly you're going for that next Government Tender - Either way, the Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is comprehensive, easy to understand and is designed to be implemented into your business with as little fuss as possible.

Look, we understand business can be hard enough as it is without all the red tape, often written in language only a martian would understand. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The Rubbish And Waste Disposal 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 waste
  8. Scrap metal
  9. Putrescible waste
  10. Paper and cardboard
  11. Glass
  12. Plastics
  13. Sharps
  14. Biological and clinical waste
  15. Green waste
  16. Building waste
  17. On completion

The Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Rubbish And Waste Disposal 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.

Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement

  • High quality and ready to use Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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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 Rubbish And Waste Disposal 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 rubbish and wasted disposal project as needed, making sure that your Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own rubbish and waste disposal SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS such as: 

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

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

Your Rubbish And Waste Disposal Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

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

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

When the Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

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

When preparing your Rubbish And Waste Disposal 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 Rubbish And Waste Disposal. 

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

  • Health and Safety guidelines for rubbish and waste disposal work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Rubbish And Waste Disposal
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Rubbish And Waste Disposal operations
  • Ensure the Rubbish And Waste Disposal and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting rubbish and waste disposal work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Rubbish And Waste Disposal 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 rubbish and waste disposal work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct rubbish and waste disposal work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting rubbish and waste disposal work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Rubbish And Waste Disposal SWMS details
  5. If conducting Rubbish And Waste Disposal at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for rubbish and waste disposal work 

Rubbish And Waste Disposal Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • A landfill can be used to dispose general commercial and industrial waste.
  • Recyclable items should be sorted from the non-recyclable waste.
  • Instructions for recycling as provided by the recycling facility must be followed.
  • Make sure receptacles are provided for general waste near recycling bins for allowing disposal of non-recyclable waste.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Bins must be provided for recycling.
  • Dispose metal scrap at a metal scrap facility by sorting into types.
  • Different metals should go into the different bins provided.
  • Scrap metal must be kept free from other contaminants.
  • For moving heavy and large items, utilise mechanical aids or obtain assistance.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Wearing Type 1 footwear is recommended.
  • Proper handling practices must be observed.
  • All receptacles and bins should be emptied and washed everyday.
  • Putrescible waste containers must be kept closed and sealed.
  • Material awaiting disposal may be kept in containers in cool places to reduce the rotting and decay.
  • To prevent odor from decaying material, make sure of a suitable disposal cycle.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • The area where the putrescible waste was held must be washed and disinfected.
  • After handling putrescible waste, hand must be washed thoroughly.
  • Cardboard and paper waste must be kept free from other waste products.
  • Never use plastic bags for placing paper waste for disposal.
  • Bundles and containers of paper waste must be kept within safe lifting limits.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Manual handling practices must be observed.
  • Keep glass waste in heavy plastic or metal containers.
  • Try not to re-handle broken glass.
  • For handling containers of glass, use mechanical means.
  • Glass must not be contaminated with other waste material such as vitreous or china, etc.
  • For handling glass, wearing leather or other cut-resistant gloves is required.
  • Proper manual handling practices must be followed.
  • Broken, cut or damaged plastic containers may have very sharp edges.
  • When burnt, plastics generally produce hazardous gases and toxic smoke.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Plastics must never be incinerated.
  • For disposal of sharps, they must be enclosed in plastic or metal containers.
  • A specifically marked container must be used for disposal of used syringes, etc., which does not allow items to be removed from the container.
  • Sharps must be disposed only at approved waste disposal facility.
  • Sharps containers must be transported within unbreakable outer containers.
  • When handling sharps, wearing puncture-resistant gloves is essential.
  • Wherever possible, use approved sharps containers.
  • Containers for bio-waste must be marked with the international biohazard symbol.
  • Sharps and biological waste must have only authorised access.
  • Appropriate hand and body protection must be worn a at all times by all persons handling clinical and biological waste.
  • Where a risk exists for a body or similar fluids splashing, wearing eye or face protection is required. If the risk is from larger quantities of liquid splash, when handling bio-waste, using a P1 particulate filter mask is required.
  • Specifically marked containers that do not allow the items inside to be removed, must be used for placing used syringes, etc.
  • Unauthorised entry must be restricted.
  • Wearing P1 particulate mask is recommended.
  • Washing hands thoroughly after handling biological waste, and before eating, drinking or smoking, is essential.
  • A high percentage of water accompanies fresh vegetation waste.
  • Sap and other fluids must be avoided since they may irritate the skin and eyes.
  • For handling vegetation that is an irritant, or has sharp leaves or rough bark, spikes, thorns, wearing suitable gloves is required.
  • After handling vegetation waste, wash hands thoroughly.
  • Proper manual handling procedures must be followed.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Before eating, drinking or smoking washing hands thoroughly is necessary.
  • Separate hazardous waste from general waste after inspection. Dusty material may be dampened with water.
  • Building materials may contain sharp objects such as metal, glass, nails, etc.; be careful when handling such material.
  • For handling heavy or large objects, be careful and obtain assistance.
  • Wearing Type 1 foot protection is recommended. Dust mask maybe required.
  • Wearing hand protection is recommended.
  • Proper manual handling procedures must be followed.

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.