Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement

Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement

Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to start work on site, looking to make your workplace safer or going for a Local Council Tender, the Truck Loading and Load Restraint (Sandblasting) Safe Work Method Statement is completely comprehensive, easy to use and easy to implement into your business.

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 Truck Loading and Load Restraint 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. Selection of vehicle
  8. Containment of load
  9. Tall or high loads
  10. Wide or long loads
  11. Positioning of load
  12. Unstable loads
  13. Loading and unloading of trucks
  14. On completion

The Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Truck Loading and Load Restraint 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.

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.

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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 Truck Loading and Load Restraint 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 truck loading and load restraint project as needed, making sure that your Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own truck loading and load restraint SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS such as:

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

Note: The Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the truck loading and load restraint work is completed. Where the Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement, the Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as 

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

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

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

When the Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the truck loading and load restraint work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Truck Loading and Load Restraint 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 Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the truck loading and load restraint work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Truck Loading and Load Restraint SWMS.

When preparing your Truck Loading and Load Restraint 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 Truck Loading and Load Restraint.

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

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

Truck Loading and Load Restraint Training and Worker Qualifications

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

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Truck Loading and Load Restraint Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Vehicle should have proper load carrying capacity for the proposed load
  • When loading a vehicle, never exceed the tyre and axle capacity rated for the vehicle.
  • Vehicle tray must be large enough to carry the entire load.
  • Never exceed the legal mass limits.
  • Never exceed the GCM of the vehicle.
  • Proper weight distribution must be ensured.
  • Make sure that all liquid or loose bulk material load is totally contained.
  • Ensure use of baffled tanks for preventing movement of liquids when transporting liquids.
  • Loads must be suitably covered.
  • Stability is affected by liquid movement.
  • Higher overturning risks will be present for loads with high centre of gravity.
  • For transporting tall or high loads, use a low loader or a drop deck loader.
  • Ensure that the overall height of the loaded vehicle is not exceeding the height restrictions on the proposed route and is below the legal height limits, generally 4.3 metres.
  • Inspect the weight of all loads.
  • Speed should be reduced for high loads.
  • For transporting over-height loads, special permit may be required.
  • There could be danger from loads projecting from the rear, side or front of the vehicle.
  • Ensure that for loads projecting more than 1.2 metres beyond the rear of the vehicle, there is a red flag at daytime and/or a red light at night. The red light must be visible for 200 metres.
  • For loads that are wider than the width of the carrying tray of the vehicle, flags and signs such as WIDE LOAD, etc., may be required.
  • If possible, always keep the load within the tray.
  • Adhere to the local restrictions for length and width set by the regulatory authority. Check also the rear overhang limits.
  • Use signs with letters of at least 800 mm height.
  • Position the load for maintaining proper stability, steering and braking.
  • Do not allow load to overload the axles and tyres.
  • Provide even loading across the tray and place heavy loads between axles.
  • Loads placed offset to one side of the vehicle may affect stability of a turning vehicle.
  • For reducing the overturning moment, always place heavy loads lower on the tray.
  • Restrain loads to prevent them shifting when the vehicle is in motion.
  • Load positioning advice must be referred.
  • Check the tyre pressures.
  • Do not allow flexing of the tray.
  • Always position the load on the centreline of the tray.
  • All heavy items must be kept on the bottom of the tray.
  • Place lighter loads on top of the heavier loads.
  • A tall load, which has a length less than 80% of its height, will be unstable in the forward direction.
  • A tall load, which has a length less than 50% of its height, will be unstable in the sideways direction.
  • Unstable loads must be placed against a structure or be bound together for greater stability.
  • Prevent tipping of load by ensuring adequate lashing of unstable loads.
  • Loads will be less stable when placed on dunnage that is narrower than its base.
  • Make sure that loaded objects are not dislodged during loading or unloading.
  • Do not place loose objects on top of loads as loose objects could change position.
  • For transporting small and loose objects, place them within a cage or a bin.
  • Make sure the wrapping and integrity of palletised loads are maintained intact.
  • Check all pallets for broken parts or damage as these could snag on the vehicle or other parts of the load during loading and unloading.
  • Be careful during loading and unloading of palletised loads.
  • Preferably, place loose objects in bins or cages.
  • Loose items must be provided with a cage.
  • If necessary, re-wrap the pallet.
  • Replace or repair broken and damaged pallets.

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.