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.

Excavation & Earthworks

General Excavation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for excavation work using mechanical plant (excavators, backhoes) and hand tools. Applicable to excavations deeper than 1.5 metres or where underground services or adjacent structures are present.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard HatHigh Visibility VestSafety Boots (Steel Capped)Safety GlassesGlovesP2 Dust Mask (when dry conditions)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•In or near a shaft or trench with a depth greater than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel
•Adjacent to a road or traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians
•Area in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant

Risk Assessment

1.Underground service location and site preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Striking underground services (electrical, gas, water, communications)	Catastrophic	Obtain Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) plans. Use cable and pipe locator. Hand-dig trial holes to confirm service locations. Mark all services with spray paint and flags. No machine excavation within 300 mm of located services.	Moderate	Excavation Contractor / Site Supervisor
Struck-by incident involving mobile plant	Catastrophic	Establish and barricade exclusion zone around operating plant. No pedestrians within swing radius of excavator. Spotter required when operating near workers. Two-way communication between operator and spotter.	Low	Plant Operator / Spotter

2.Excavation using mechanical plant

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Cave-in or trench collapse burying workers	Catastrophic	Geotechnical assessment of soil type required for excavations >1.5 m. Benching, battering or trench shoring installed to engineer-specified design. No workers in unshored trench >1.5 m deep. Daily inspection by competent person.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Competent Person
Overloading of excavation spoil causing edge failure	High	Spoil stockpiled minimum 1 m from excavation edge. Excess spoil removed promptly by truck. No heavy plant or vehicles within setback distance specified in geotechnical assessment.	Low	Plant Operator / Site Supervisor

3.Worker entry into excavation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fall into excavation during entry or egress	High	Install ladder at maximum 9 m intervals. Barricade perimeter when unattended. No jumping in or out of excavation. Ladder extends 1 m above entry point.	Low	All Workers
Engulfment by sudden inrush of water or liquids	Catastrophic	Check weather forecast before entry. Monitor for groundwater intrusion. Install sump pumps where required. Pre-plan escape route. Supervisor to maintain visual contact with workers in excavation.	Moderate	Site Supervisor

4.Backfill and compaction

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Compaction plant operator in proximity to excavation edge	High	Backfill in layers not exceeding 300 mm. Compactor operator to maintain safe distance from edge. Inspect shoring for displacement during backfill operations.	Low	Plant Operator / Site Supervisor

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: ___________________