Telehandler Safe Work Method Statement

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

Telehandler Safe Work Method Statement

Telehandler 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 Telehandler 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 Telehandler 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 precautions
  8. Pre-start checks
  9. After-start checks
  10. Site safety
  11. Attachments
  12. Operation
  13. Cleaning and maintenance
  14. Use of stabilisers
  15. On completion

The Telehandler Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Telehandler 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Telehandler Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Telehandler Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to Australian & 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 Telehandler 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 telehandler project as needed, making sure that your Telehandler SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Telehandler 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 Telehandler.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Telehandler Training - Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Never use machine for purposes other than those approved by manufacturer never attempt to carry out operations other than those for which machine is intended.
  • Never carry passengers in cabin or on exterior of machine or attachments.
  • Never attempt to lift or carry loads greater than those defined on the load charts applicable to the inside of the cabin of the machineAlways ensure safe load limits.
  • Inspect for damage, and make sure all tyres are inflated to specified pressures replace with proper size tyres.
  • Adjust mirrors for best vision, and clean windows if vision is affected make sure there is good all-round vision.
  • Adjust seat to optimum operating position, and Inspect all the seat belts and fittings never operate without seat belt.
  • Make sure that proper attachment is securely fitted for work to be carried out use only approved attachments.
  • Check for proper operation of all controls, including load limiter systems never use machine if controls, lights or signals malfunction.
  • Check operation of all lights, horn, reversing signal and flashing beacon.
  • Check operation of steering and brakes, including park brake never operate if brakes faulty.
  • Check boom extension and retraction, and lifting and fork tine operation check for hydraulic oil leaks.
  • Check for obstructions, adverse ground conditions, overhanging or low structures, and vehicle and pedestrian traffic in are as where machine will be operated - identify holes, drains, ditches, loose or un compacted ground.
  • Ensure that operators are wearing PPE as required for site, and protective gloves when handling loads, slings or attachments.
  • Persons must not be wearing loose clothing, jewellery or unrestrained long hair near moving parts of machinery.
  • Wearing safety vest, safety boots, and safety cap on construction sites is necessary. Keep sleeves buttoned, and contain long hair, etc.
  • Use only the attachments provided with the machine or approved by manufacturer make sure that attachment is compatible with machine model.
  • Inspect all load bearing attachments regularly for wearing or damage.
  • Do not use worn, broken, cracked or distorted components never use faulty equipment.
  • Always follow specified procedures when fitting or removing attachments refer to operator’s manuals.
  • Make sure that attachments are securely fixed to machine and cannot be accidentally dislodged during operation of machine check attachments daily or before use if used less frequently.
  • Inspect all the fork tines for wear, cracks or distortion and have them inspected by a competent person to assess risk of failure before using if faults detected never attempt any unauthorised repairs to load bearing parts.
  • Where lifting hook is attached, make sure the hook and attaching ring is of an approved type and that the hook is fitted with operable safety latch system use only approved lifting gear and attach hook securely.
  • Space the forks to suit the load to be shifted, with the centre of gravity halfway between the forks. Make sure tines are locked or clamped before moving loads space the forks as wide as possible. Never over tighten locking screws.
  • Always check the weight of the load before attempting to handle always refer to load charts.
  • Make sure that load is not snagged or held down and is free to be lifted make sure that load is easily moved.
  • Retract the boom as far as possible before commencing load shifting operation refer to load charts if boom is extended to avoid overloading.
  • Never jerk the load when lifting always ensure load limiter while lifting load.
  • Always keep the boom retracted when traversing with load on boom keep load low and close to the machine to maintain stability.
  • Always travel with load 20 to 30 cm from ground, and at no more than 5 km/h.
  • Never carry load up or down slope exceeding 14°„ (1 in 4),or across side slope greater than 5°„ (1 in 11). Keep load less than 30 cm from ground) and avoid operating on side slopes.
  • Never operate machine on slope greater than 22°„ (1 in 2.5).Do not use any load monitor the overturning warning system and avoid shutdown.
  • Area where handler is to operate should be kept free of other traffic do not allow vehicle and pedestrian traffic into work areas.
  • Make sure that handler has adequate space to operate and is able to manoeuvre safely.
  • Make sure that persons are kept well away from the machine when operating do not allow unauthorised entry into work area.
  • Attachments such as hook and jibs may extend load centre beyond those shown on load charts make sure that boom is not overloaded and monitor the load gauge to make sure that safe load is not exceeded.
  • Before leaving cab, make sure that the transmission is in neutral, park brake is on, any load is placed on ground and ignition switch is off with the key removed never raise boom on unstable or sloping ground.
  • Always ensure precautions in operator’s manuals are followed when cleaning and washing machines and attachments wearing eye and hand protection is necessary when handling and using cleaners and lubricants, etc.
  • Inspect all the parts of machine for wear, damage and loose or missing parts.
  • Use only approved parts and lubricants when maintaining and servicing never carry out unauthorised repairs on load shifting equipment.
  • Make sure that machine is out of gear and that the park brake engaged before working.
  • Avoid touching hot parts allow machine to cool down if practicable wearing hand protection is necessary.
  • Use stabilisers only to increase the stability of the machine.
  • Do not use stabilisers if load is already raised.
  • Improper use of stabilisers can cause instability.
  • Level the machine by means of the level indicator before raising any load make sure that stabilisers are in touching a firm, stable surface.
  • Make sure that the stabiliser indicator lamp is on before using the boom.

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.