Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement

Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement

Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching that next Government Tender, the Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easily integrates into your current Safety Management System (if you have one! If not, we need to talk, seriously. Don't take that sort of risk - we can help).

Look, we understand the challenges that many business owners face, let alone having to understand complicated safety documentation written in a language that nobody understands. 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 Slasher Mower 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. Entry and exit
  9. Operator position
  10. Attachments
  11. Travel
  12. Operation
  13. Parking
  14. Maintenance
  15. On completion

The Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Slasher Mower 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.

Slasher Mower 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 Slasher Mower 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 slasher mower project as needed, making sure that your Slasher Mower SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Slasher Mower SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own slasher mower SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Slasher Mower SWMS such as:

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

Note: The Slasher Mower SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the slasher mower work is completed. Where the Slasher Mower SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Slasher Mower Safe Work MethodStatement, the Slasher Mower SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Slasher Mower Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

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

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

When the Slasher Mower SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the slasher mower work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Slasher Mower 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 Slasher Mower SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the slasher mower work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Slasher Mower SWMS.

When preparing your Slasher Mower 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 Slasher Mower.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with slasher mower and ensure that:

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

Slasher Mower Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Check the battery, coolant, transmission oil, engine oil, hydraulic oil and fuel.
  • After removing any mud lumps from the treads, check the pressure and condition.
  • Inspect all instruments, lights, reversing alarms and horn.
  • Steering must be tested in both directions, park braking operation and braking must be checked.
  • If travelling, lock the separated brake pedals together.
  • Ensure the proper operation of controls. Check they return to the centre when released.
  • Check that all chains are in place by inspecting the skirt. Make sure the rubber skirting is intact.
  • Inspect the deck wheels for free turning and rotation. Tires must be inflated.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is recommended.
  • Never use if the controls are faulty.
  • When mounting or dismounting a tractor, the operator must maintain three points of contact at all times.
  • Operator must wear non-slip type footwear.
  • Use steps and ladders that are of a non-slip type only.
  • Wearing foot protection is recommended.
  • Adjust the seat to achieve a comfortable operating position.
  • When the machine is used, seat belt should be fitted, adjusted properly and worn.
  • All levers and gages must be within reach of the operator and clearly identified.
  • Provide adequate ventilation.
  • Position the exhaust so that fumes do not enter the cabin.
  • Before commencing work, and if bumped, clean adjust or readjust the mirrors.
  • Before operating, adjust the seat.
  • Wearing seat belt is necessary.
  • Check for missing or loose parts, damage, or wear of the slasher deck.
  • Belts and blades must be inspected for excessive wear.
  • Check for fractures, splits, or evidence of leaks on fittings and hoses.
  • Driveshaft and power take off points must be fitted with guards. Guards must enclose the entire shaft and prevent any part of the body of a person from coming into contact with the moving part.
  • The slasher deck must be securely fitted and there must beno loose bolts or pins.
  • Before moving, make sure the attachment is properly fitted to a 3-point linkage.
  • Test the operation by raising and lowering the attachment.
  • For attaching equipment, use only the supplied mounting points or the drawbar.
  • Do not hitch to axle housing, to the top link pin, or above rear axle.
  • If there is a person between the implement and the tractor, never use a 3-point linkage.
  • Wearing gloves is recommended.
  • Unless the deck is securely supported, never place any part of the body under the deck.
  • Fit locking pins as required.
  • For travel, the attachment must be lifted.
  • Attachments must be fitted according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
  • Unless there is a proper seat with a seat belt fitted, passengers must not be carried.
  • Never travel at speeds, which may cause a loss of control over bumps, etc.
  • Avoid driving over obstacles, drains, ditches, etc., as they may affect control.
  • Never travel across the slope on a steep incline.
  • Do not turn at speed and avoid sharp turns.
  • Before travelling, inspect the terrain.
  • When travelling over slopes, avoid changing gears.
  • Use engine compression as brake and travel in low gear when moving down a slope.
  • Before turning, slow down.
  • For stability and rear visibility, carry deck close to ground.
  • Never start the blade drives unless ready to cut.
  • During operation, if hazards are expected to be encountered, appropriate protective equipment must be used.
  • If an enclosed cabin is not provided, wearing a respirator or a face mask may be required in dusty conditions.
  • Wearing eye protection is recommended.
  • In some work situations, hearing protection may be required.
  • If other traffic may be encountered, when working on roads, wearing high-visibility garments is necessary.
  • If possible, park on level ground only.
  • If parking on sloping ground, position the machine up and down.
  • Apply the handbrake and place transmission in the park or neutral position.
  • Lower the attachment to be fully flat on the ground.
  • Switch engine to off, remove all keys and lock the cabin before leaving the machine unattended.
  • Before dismounting, stop the tractor completely.
  • Never leave the machine unattended with the engine running.
  • Before starting to work on the slasher, make sure the slasher blades cannot operate.
  • Before carrying out work under the deck, make sure the slasher deck is supported totally and cannot fall. Never support deck with props.
  • Underside of the deck will usually be covered with dust and grass debris.
  • Metal parts such as blades and bolts will develop nicks and sharp edges in use. For handling awkwardly shaped or heavy objects, obtain assistance. When removing or replacing to deck, avoid dropping components.
  • Before working, turn off the engine.
  • When working, support deck using lockable stands or chains.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • Wearing hand protection is necessary. Proper lifting practices must be followed. Wearing Type 1 footwear recommended.

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.