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

Pier and Bored Piling — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for bored pier and piling operations including drilling, reinforcement cage installation, concrete placement, and casing extraction for structural foundation works.

Download this template

Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (Class 1)High-visibility vest (Class 2)Steel-capped safety bootsSafety glasses or face shieldLeather glovesHearing protectionDust mask (P2 respirator)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Excavation deeper than 1.5 metres
•Work near live buried services
•Use of powered mobile plant
•Concrete pours for structural elements

Risk Assessment

1.Piling rig positioning and set-up

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Piling rig overturning during set-up or operation	Catastrophic	Prior to rig set-up, conduct a site-specific ground bearing capacity assessment. Provide engineered timber or steel crane mats of sufficient size and thickness to distribute rig load across the required bearing area based on the engineer's calculations. Level ground within ±2° of horizontal at the rig position. Establish total exclusion zone equal to full mast height plus 3 metres in all directions around the rig. Pre-start safety check by operator to confirm all outriggers fully extended and locked before mast erection. Monitor ground settlement around mats continuously during operation.	Low	Piling Supervisor / Rig Operator
Underground service strike during initial drilling	Catastrophic	Complete DBYD enquiry and mark all services on ground prior to rig positioning. Conduct vacuum excavation to expose all services within 3 m of each pier location before drilling commences. Display service location plan in rig operator cab. Confirm clearance distances between each pier location and nearest service with the site engineer. Where clearance is less than 1 m, the engineer must specify an alternative pier position. Never drill without a confirmed all-clear from the site supervisor.	Low	Site Engineer / Rig Operator

2.Drilling and spoil management

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Bore collapse during or after drilling	High	Assess bore stability based on soil classification and depth. Install temporary steel casing to full depth in unstable soils (gravels, sands, fill) immediately following drilling to prevent bore collapse. Use bentonite or polymer drilling fluid in highly unstable ground conditions. Workers must not approach within 2 m of an open uncased bore. Clearly mark all open bores with barriers and safety mesh covers when drilling is not active. Document each bore condition in the piling log.	Moderate	Piling Supervisor / Rig Operator
Spoil contamination exposure during handling	Moderate	Obtain environmental site assessment and soil contamination report before commencing. Where contaminated spoil is identified, implement site-specific contaminated material handling plan. Workers handling contaminated spoil must wear nitrile gloves, P2 respirator, safety glasses, and disposable Tyvek overalls. Contaminated spoil must be segregated into designated bunded bins and removed by licensed waste contractor. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before eating, drinking, or leaving site.	Low	Environmental Officer / Site Supervisor

3.Reinforcement cage fabrication and installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Reinforcement cage collapse during lifting	High	Reinforcement cage lifting must be performed by a licensed rigger. Cages must be fitted with minimum 3 lifting eyes at equal spacing around the circumference at the top, designed to engineering specification. Inspect all welds and tie wire connections before lift. Use a spreader beam or lifting frame to maintain cage shape during lift. Clear exclusion zone of full cage length plus 3 metres before lift commences. Never allow workers to stand beneath or within the swing radius of a suspended cage. Lower cage into bore at controlled rate, stopping to confirm alignment before full release.	Low	Licensed Rigger / Crane Operator
Laceration from rebar during cage handling	Moderate	All rebar cut ends must be fitted with plastic rebar caps immediately after cutting. Workers fabricating and handling cages must wear heavy leather gloves and long-sleeved work shirts at minimum. Use mechanical rebar benders and cutters in preference to manual methods. Maintain tool exclusion zones during rebar cutting operations. First aid kit with wound care supplies must be accessible within 2 minutes of the work area.	Low	All Workers / Site Supervisor

4.Concrete placement via tremie pipe

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Concrete pump hose whip during blockage clearance	High	Inspect all pump hoses and couplings before each pour for wear, damage, or non-standard fittings. Ensure all hose clamps are of the approved type with safety wire or locking clips installed. Workers must stand clear of all pump hoses when pump is under pressure — exclusion zone of 3 m from any hose. Do not attempt to clear blockages while pump is pressurised. Vent pressure completely from line before disconnecting or working on any hose. Pump operator must have immediate access to emergency stop.	Low	Concrete Pump Operator / Site Supervisor
Cement chemical burns to skin and eyes	Moderate	Concrete is highly alkaline (pH 12–13) and causes delayed chemical burns. Workers must wear waterproof gloves, safety glasses or face shield, and waterproof boots when in contact with fresh concrete. Change out of wet concrete-soaked clothing immediately. If concrete contacts skin, wash with large quantities of clean water for minimum 20 minutes. If concrete contacts eyes, irrigate immediately with eye wash station and seek medical attention. Eye wash station must be within 10 seconds travel of concrete placement area.	Low	All Workers

5.Casing extraction

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Casing extraction causing ground subsidence or heave	High	Extract casing at controlled rate, maintaining concrete head at least 1 m above base of casing at all times during extraction per engineering specification. Operate rig extraction controls smoothly to avoid sudden load changes. Monitor top of concrete level during extraction. If concrete level drops unexpectedly, stop extraction immediately and notify engineer. Inspect surrounding ground surface for cracking or heave during and after extraction. Do not allow workers within 3 m of casing during extraction.	Moderate	Rig Operator / Site Engineer

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: ___________________