Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Crane, Lifting & Rigging

Telehandler Operations — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the operation of a telehandler (telescopic handler) for lifting, placing, and transporting materials on construction sites, including use of forks, jib attachments, and work platforms.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (Class 1)High-visibility vest (Class 2)Steel-capped safety bootsSafety glassesGlovesSafety harness and lanyard (when using EWP attachment)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Use of powered mobile plant
•Crane or hoist work (when using jib or EWP attachment)
•Work at height (when using work platform attachment)

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-start inspection and set-up

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Mechanical failure during operation due to missed defects	High	Operator must complete the manufacturer's pre-start inspection checklist before each shift, checking: tyre condition and pressure, hydraulic fluid level and hose condition, all safety systems (load management indicator, seatbelt, ROPS/FOPS), lights, horn, and reversing alarm. Record findings in the plant logbook. Any defect that affects safe operation requires the machine to be tagged out, removed from service, and reported to the fleet/plant manager. Do not operate a machine with a defect tag. Confirm the machine registration and inspection date are current.	Low	Telehandler Operator
Inadequate ground conditions causing instability	High	Assess ground conditions before operating, particularly on recently filled or backfilled ground. Do not operate on slopes exceeding the manufacturer's rated gradient (typically 10° laden, 20° unladen). Lay steel or timber road mats over soft or uneven ground where operation cannot be avoided. Lower boom fully before travelling across slopes. Never travel with a raised load across slopes — lower to transport height (approx. 300 mm above ground). Conduct a ground assessment whenever the machine relocates to a new area on site.	Moderate	Telehandler Operator / Site Supervisor

2.Fork operations and material transport

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Load falling from forks due to incorrect loading	High	Set fork width to match pallet width before loading — forks must fully support the pallet with no overhang beyond the leading edge of forks. Load must be evenly distributed across both forks. Maximum load must not exceed the WLL shown on the load capacity chart for the current boom extension and angle. Tilt forks back fully (carriage tilt) before travelling to stabilise load. Never carry a load that obscures the operator's forward vision without using a spotter or reversing direction of travel. Secure loose items with ratchet straps where required.	Low	Telehandler Operator
Collision with workers or structures while travelling	High	Sound horn before moving off and at all blind corners and intersections. Travel at maximum 10 km/h on site with load, 15 km/h without load, unless site-specific lower speed limits apply. A spotter must be used when reversing or when operating in areas where visibility is restricted. Establish pedestrian segregation routes that do not intersect with telehandler travel paths. Install mirrors at blind intersections. Operator must not use a mobile phone while operating the machine.	Low	Telehandler Operator / Site Supervisor

3.High-level placement and boom extension

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Telehandler overturning due to overreach or soft ground under stabilisers	Catastrophic	Before extending boom above 3 m height, deploy all stabiliser legs if fitted and ensure pads are resting on stable, load-rated ground. Check the load management indicator (LMI/SLI) — do not override or disable LMI at any time. If LMI alarm activates, immediately lower boom without moving the load laterally. Confirm load weight against the manufacturer's load chart at the specific radius and boom angle before each high-level placement. Position machine on level ground within 2° of horizontal before high lifts.	Low	Telehandler Operator

4.Personnel work platform (EWP attachment) use

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Falls from elevated work platform attachment	Catastrophic	Only a rated, purpose-designed work platform attachment approved by the telehandler manufacturer may be used to elevate persons. A Specific Engineered Lift Plan is required for all personnel lifts. The operator must hold a DogMan or Rigging licence for personnel hoisting. Workers in the basket must wear a safety harness attached to a rated anchor point inside the basket — not to the telehandler. The operator must remain in the seat with hands on controls at all times while persons are elevated. Emergency lowering procedure must be tested before personnel enter basket. Wind speed must not exceed 45 km/h.	Low	Telehandler Operator / Lift Supervisor

5.Refuelling and end-of-shift parking

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fire during refuelling operations	High	Refuel only with engine off and all electrical components de-energised. Do not refuel within 3 m of a flame, spark, or energised electrical equipment. Use an approved fuel transfer container or pump with earthing strap connected to the machine to prevent static discharge. Keep a 9 kg dry powder fire extinguisher within 5 m of the refuelling point. No smoking within 5 m of refuelling area. Clean up any spill immediately with spill kit and dispose of contaminated materials in a labelled waste container. Record refuelling in the machine logbook.	Low	Telehandler Operator

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________