Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Shoring Benching and Pit Installation 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 Shoring Benching & Pit Installation 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 Shoring Benching and Pit Installation 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. Excavation of trench
  8. Excavation more than .m deep must be shored or benched
  9. Inspections
  10. Shoring
  11. Removal of shoring
  12. Benching and battering
  13. Bedding for precast pit
  14. Lift and place precast unit in place.
  15. Backfill and compact around pit
  16. On completion

The  Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Shoring Benching and Pit Installation 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.

Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement

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  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to Australian and NZ Standards (AS/NZS) & 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 Shoring Benching and Pit Installation 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 shoring benching and pit installation project as needed, making sure that your ShoringBenching and Pit Installation SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own shoring benching and pit installation SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS such as: 

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

Note: The Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the shoring benching and pit installation work is completed. Where the Shoring Benching and PitInstallation SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept.If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement, the Shoring Benching and PitInstallation SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

Your Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as: 

Your Shoring Benching and Pit Installation 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 Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary)if relevant control measures in relation to shoring benching and pit installation work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Shoring Benching and Pit Installation and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the shoring benching and pit installation work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Shoring Benching and Pit Installation 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 Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the shoring benching and pit installation work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS.

When preparing your Shoring Benching and Pit InstallationSWMS, 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 Shoring Benching and Pit Installation. 

When writing your Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Shoring Benching and Pit Installation in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when showing benching and pit installations and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the shoring benching and pit installation work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct shoring benching and pit installation work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting shoring benching and pit installation work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS details
  5. If conducting Shoring Benching and Pit Installation at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for shoring benching and pit installation work

Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Shoring Benching and Pit Installation as well as any qualifications that may be required for various shoring benching and pit installation 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 Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Shoring Benching and Pit Installation operations and shoring benching and pit installation work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Shoring Benching and Pit Installation SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Shoring Benching and Pit Installation Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Apply supports as required according to engineer’s report
  • Always wear PPE Hi Visibility, hard hat
  • Have warning devices in place and working for all mobile machinery                      
  • Obtain and follow reports from Engineers / Geo-technical
  • Establish clearance areas around trench as per engineer’s report
  • Do not have soil within 1 metre of edge of trench
  • Protect the edges rom falling debris
  • Do not allow vehicles to operate within 2metres unless cleared by geological report and provide extra support
  • Check with authorities, principal contractor and MH before excavating - Dial before you dig
  • Always wear high-visibility clothing and have movement alarms operational
  • Ensure all operators look up before and during operation
  • Erect shoring in accordance with Australian standards or proprietary shoring drag box
  • Fence off excavations and provide safe access in and out of excavation
  • Have a qualified competent person review the geo-technical report if conditions change, i.e., rain, earthquake
  • Allow only a competent person to inspect the trench
  • Site supervisor must accompany all inspections
  • Obtain all completed documented reports on all inspections conducted
  • Apply shoring as trench progresses
  • Place the bucket of the trenching machine in front of the shoring until bracing is in place
  • Apply jacks when required
  • Maintain the jacks with tension until removed slowly
  • Protect workers using the bucket of the trenching machine when in trench as shoring jacks are fitted                                    
  • Defer to engineer’s report for assessment of soil type/structure as needed
  • Remove shoring only as fill is placed
  • Place the bucket of the trenching machine in front of the shoring while removing the bracing
  • Apply jacks when required
  • Remove jacks slowly
  • Protect workers using the bucket of the trenching machine when in trench as shoring jacks are fitted or removed  
  • Obtain and follow Engineers / Geo-technical report
  • Slope of walls no to exceed (Enter your Calculations andRequirements Here)
  • For calculation use: width = (2xDepth) +bottom trench width                                                                                                            
  • Defer to engineer’s report and recommendations if different
  • Provide ventilation and gas detection equipment if there are any enclosed or confined spaces
  • Do not venture away from unsupported trenches
  • Do not stand on pit edges without harness support or a ladder or form board across trench. Check lifting equipment is certified, adequate and within date
  • Ensure good operator worker coordination

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.