Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement

Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement

Trucks And Heavy Vehicles 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 Trucks And Heavy Vehicles 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 Trucks And Heavy Vehicles 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. Specific precautions
  9. Operation of attachments and special-use vehicles
  10. Maintenance
  11. Passengers in vehicles
  12. Smoking in vehicles
  13. Accidents and injuries
  14. On completion

The Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Trucks And Heavy Vehicles 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.

Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download 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 Trucks And Heavy Vehicles 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 trucks and heavy vehicles project as needed, making sure that your Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own trucks and heavy vehicles SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS such as:

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

Note: The Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the trucks and heavy vehicles work is completed. Where the Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method Statement, the Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Safe Work Method StatementTemplate should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

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

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

When the Trucks And Heavy Vehicles SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

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

When preparing your Trucks And Heavy Vehicles 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 Trucks And Heavy Vehicles. 

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

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

Trucks And Heavy Vehicles Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • A competent person (or the driver) should make sure the vehicle is safe for driving, and it suits the undertaken task.
  • Check the condition of the battery. It must be fully charged and if necessary, top it up.
  • Check the oil levels including brake fluid, hydraulics, steering and the engine.
  • Check the fuel or gas levels.
  • Check the Wheels and tires, including nuts, condition of tires and inflation.
  • Check radiator, coolant level and top-up if required.
  • Before using the vehicle, allow it to warm up to its optimum temperatures.
  • Ensure all instruments, reversing beeper, lights and horn are functioning.
  • Make sure the steering is not vibrating, veering or lose.Check the brakes to ensure they are not grabbing or pulling and the park brake must hold. The seat should be adjusted to a comfortable position.
  • Adjust and fasten the seat belt properly.
  • Specifically trained operator may be required for special use vehicles and attachments.
  • If mobile plants, forklifts or other vehicles are present onsite, persons working must take care when alighting from or entering, unloading or loading.
  • If passing traffic poses a risk to the person working from the vehicle at sites, employ traffic control measures.
  • When driving a motor vehicle, make sure enclosed footwear is worn.
  • Before using the vehicle on the road, all pre-start checks must be carried out.
  • For servicing or checking batteries, wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Tires should be properly inflated.
  • Do not drive a cold engine.
  • Never use a vehicle if it is defective. Have it repaired before use.
  • Never use a vehicle with defective brakes.
  • Fill in the log book daily.
  • Only authorised persons must operate the special use vehicles.
  • High-visibility garments must be worn. This is mandatory inVictoria.
  • Separate the working area and the traffic by using barriers or traffic cones.
  • Wearing foot protection is essential.
  • When handling hazardous material, cold, sharp or rough objects, wearing suitable hand protection are essential.
  • Be careful when handling awkward, large and heavy objects.
  • Wearing suitable eye protection is necessary if exposure to hazardous materials, liquids or dust is expected during transport or handling.
  • If hazardous noise levels may be expected from onsite-conditions or operation of vehicles, wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • Wearing hand protection is essential.
  • Proper lifting procedures must be used.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary. Wearing respirators or dust mask is essential. Refer to MDS.
  • Wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • Before loaders, cranes or other load moving attachments are used, extend the outriggers fully to support the vehicle weight.
  • If the ground is unstable, or the vehicle is across a slope, never raise the body.
  • Make sure no person is in the pinch or nip point when operating the attachments.
  • Before attaching the load to be moved, make sure the load shifting equipment is safe and suitable.
  • Make sure there is a stable, flat surface for firm contact, or blocks may be provided.
  • If possible, tip facing up the slope.
  • All persons in the vicinity must wear high-visibility garments.
  • Check the condition of the load lifting equipment, including its WWL.
  • Only a competent person must be allowed to service a vehicle at specified intervals.
  • The manufacturer’s manuals must be referred to carry out the servicing.
  • Only a competent person must carry out all repairs and they must be documented.
  • Manufacturer's manuals must be adhered to for carrying out repairs.
  • All replacement parts used must conform to the specification of the vehicle.
  • For servicing requirements, manufacturer's manual must be referred.
  • Repairs by unauthorised persons should not be allowed.
  • No unapproved parts must be used and no unauthorised alterations must be made.
  • Unless authorised, no passenger must be carried in or on a vehicle.
  • All passengers must remain within the vehicle unless permission is given to alight.
  • Passengers must wear seat belts and keep their body parts within the vehicle when it is in motion.
  • Passengers must not interfere with the controls and must not distract the driver.
  • Do not carry unauthorised persons on or in a vehicle.
  • Only approved seating positions are to be used to carry passengers.
  • Unless permitted, smoking in a vehicle must not be allowed.
  • If another person is present in a vehicle, do not allow smoking.
  • All vehicles must display the company smoking policy.
  • Drivers must be familiar with the procedures to be followed in case of an accident. Report all accidents, no matter how minor.
  • Appropriate first aid training must be provided to all drivers and assistants.
  • Provide proper first aid kits for all vehicles.
  • All vehicles must carry procedures.
  • All vehicles must carry and maintain a proper first aid kit.

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.