Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement

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

Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement

Trencher Pedestrian Type 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 Trencher Pedestrian Type 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 Trencher Pedestrian Type 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. Site safety
  9. Pre-start checks
  10. Operation
  11. Emergency procedures
  12. Shut-down and transport
  13. Attachments
  14. On completion

The Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) 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.

Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • 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 Trencher Pedestrian Type 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 trencher pedestrian type project as needed, making sure that your Trencher Pedestrian Type SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Trencher Pedestrian Type SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own trencher pedestrian type SWMS.

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

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

Note: The Trencher Pedestrian Type SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the trencher pedestrian type work is completed. Where the Trencher Pedestrian Type SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Trencher Pedestrian Type Safe Work Method Statement, the Trencher Pedestrian Type SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Trencher Pedestrian Type 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 Trencher Pedestrian Type 

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

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

Trencher Pedestrian Type Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Make sure that before commencing to dig all underground services have been located and identified.
  • Allow only those persons into the trench area who are actually involved in the work.
  • Use appropriate protective equipment where hazards are to be expected during operation.
  • Be careful that the machine does not roll or overturn when working across sloping ground.
  • The machine must always be operated with the digging mechanism up hill.
  • Note: trenching movement is towards the operator.
  • Dial 1100 before digging.
  • Do not allow any unauthorised person.
  • Wearing eye, hearing and foot protection is essential.
  • Suitable barrier must be provided around the work area for preventing unauthorised entry.
  • Avoid stressing of parts when excavating rock, shale or other tight material.
  • Inspect the area to be dug and in the cutting zone, remove any branches, hoses, etc.
  • Inspect the work area and determine the type of ground.
  • Make sure the work area is clear.
  • Check for identification of all controls and that they operate properly and smoothly.
  • Check for the operation of the dead man control, and make sure it is operating freely.
  • Check the battery fluids and liquid levels and top up if low. Inspect the hydraulic fluid levels.
  • Make sure there is sufficient fuel for the task if necessary refuel.
  • Check the pressure and condition of tyres, remove and mud lumps from the treads.
  • Inspect the digging chain, check for loose parts and replace any missing bolts.
  • Test the tension of the digging chain, and adjust to specified movement (13mm).
  • Before starting the engine make sure, all drives are disengaged.
  • Never disconnect or lock any of the safety devices. Do not tie spring loaded handles in operating position.
  • Keep type B (E) extinguisher nearby.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Make sure the power switch is on.
  • Before use, tighten all loose parts.
  • Make sure the chain is properly tensioned.
  • Allow the engine to warm up before starting to dig.
  • Make sure there are no persons near the machine before engaging any drives.
  • Never operate the digging chain when the drive is moving the trencher.
  • Before engaging chain or drive, always check the position of the machine and adjust.
  • Start the chain with the axle clocked and lower until the required depth sis achieved.
  • While engaging the drive, adjust the speed control for just maintaining the engine speed.
  • Make sure no person is near the moving chain and augers while the machine is operating.
  • Before raising the digging chain, always disengage the drive and lock the axle.
  • Never leave the machine unattended if the motor is running.
  • Follow the operator’s manual strictly when operating.
  • Position the machine properly before engaging the chain drive.
  • Never over-stress the machine.
  • Never touch the digging chains and augers when they are moving.
  • Never touch the machine if it is suspected to be in contact with an electrical service.
  • Return to the area only after permission to do so is given by authority.
  • Shut down the engine immediately and remove any sources of ignition.
  • Leave the area as quickly as possible while notifying any person who may be affected.
  • Move upwind, keep out of affected area, and eliminate all ignition sources.
  • Return to the area only after permission to do so is given by the authority.
  • If possible, turn off the supply at the stopcock and notify the utility or the plumber.
  • Notify the authorities immediately.
  • Notify the gas suppliers immediately.
  • Evacuate the affected area - remain upwind, and do not allow any smoking in the area.
  • Report all damages immediately
  • Stop and raise the digging chain. Operate for a short time to allow the impacted or built up soil, etc. to fall from the digging chain and teeth.  
  • Never operate the digging chain when the drive is moving the trencher.
  • Be careful when using the drive to place the trencher on to the trailer for transporting
  • Always chock the wheels to prevent movement if loading or unloading on a slope.
  • After disengaging all the drives, turn off the machine using the ignition switch.
  • Secure the machine by using straps or ropes attaching them to the tie-down points.
  • Before transporting the machine, make sure all tie-downs are properly tightened.
  • Keep away from the moving parts.
  • Proper lifting and handling practices must be observed.
  • Turn off the fuel tap after use.
  • Use only the provided points for tie-down.
  • Check the digging chain for missing, loose, damaged or worn parts.
  • Make sure all bolts are properly tightened and that all teeth are securely fitted.
  • Check the tension of the digging chain, and re-tension if loose or tight.
  • Be careful when handling digging chain or auger components as these may have developed sharp edges from wear.
  • Check the connections and hoses for fractures, leaks, bulges and or splits.
  • All hydraulic operations must be tested before applying load.
  • Check the connections, hoses and rams for fractures, leaks and or splits.
  • Raise and lower attachment for testing the operation.
  • Wearing hand protection is necessary.
  • Avoid contacting hydraulic fluids.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.

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.