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

Site Clearing — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for vegetation removal, tree felling, stump grinding, and topsoil stripping operations to prepare a construction site for earthworks and building activities.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (Class 1, chainsaw rated for tree felling)High-visibility vest (Class 2)Steel-capped safety boots with chainsaw-resistant uppersSafety glasses or face shieldChainsaw-resistant chaps or trousersHearing protection (Class 5 for chainsaw)Leather gloves

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Use of powered mobile plant
•Tree felling near structures or roads
•Work near live overhead power lines

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-clearing site assessment

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Unidentified overhead powerlines in clearing zone	Catastrophic	Before any plant or equipment enters the site, identify all overhead powerlines on and adjacent to the site. Contact the relevant electricity distributor (e.g. Ausgrid, Western Power, Powercor) to obtain a Safety Observer or arrange line isolation if any tree or clearing plant will operate within 3 m of an overhead powerline under the Safe Approach Distances specified in the relevant state electrical safety legislation. Mark powerline locations and exclusion zones on the site plan. Install high-visibility goal post markers on access routes beneath powerlines showing maximum safe travel height.	Low	Site Supervisor / Electrical Authority
Presence of asbestos-containing materials in vegetation or fill	High	Obtain historical site records and environmental site assessment prior to clearing. Inspect for dumped materials, old fencing (fibro/asbestos cement), building remnants, or bonded AC sheets in vegetation. Where ACM is identified or suspected, engage a licensed asbestos assessor before clearing commences. All ACM must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before plant operations begin. Provide workers with information on ACM identification and immediate reporting procedure.	Low	Environmental Officer / Site Supervisor

2.Manual tree felling with chainsaw

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Uncontrolled tree fall injuring workers	Catastrophic	Only chainsaw operators with an appropriate qualification (e.g. AHC30816 Certificate III in Arboriculture or equivalent) and current first aid certificate may conduct manual tree felling. Establish a fall zone of minimum 2 × tree height cleared of all workers. Position a single spotter to observe and communicate. Use a planned notch-and-back-cut felling method with a defined hinge to control fall direction. Attach tag lines or pull ropes to tree before felling to assist direction control. Brief all workers on emergency signal (3 horn blasts) before commencing. No worker within fall zone during cut.	Moderate	Qualified Arborist / Site Supervisor
Chainsaw kickback injury	High	Chainsaw must be fitted with a functioning kickback guard and chain brake, tested before each use. Operator must wear full chainsaw PPE: Class 1 helmet, face visor, Kevlar-reinforced chaps (to AS/NZS 4453.3), chainsaw-resistant gloves, and Class 5 hearing protection. Maintain two-hand grip at all times during cutting. Do not use tip of bar for cutting. Replace chain when wear exceeds 30% or after impact with metal objects. Operator must hold valid first aid certificate and chainsaw competency. No work alone — a second worker within shouting distance at all times.	Low	Chainsaw Operator

3.Mechanical clearing with bulldozer or excavator

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Workers struck by plant or falling debris	Catastrophic	Establish a machine exclusion zone of minimum 20 m in all directions from mechanical clearing operations. No workers on foot within this zone while plant is operating. Install rollover protection system (ROPS) and falling object protection system (FOPS) on all clearing plant. Operator cabin must have full glazing and overhead protection. Use a spotter for any machine reversal or when operating near site boundaries. Conduct daily pre-start plant inspection and record findings on pre-start checklist.	Low	Plant Operator / Site Supervisor
Tree root system causing machine to become unstable	High	Walk the clearing area before commencing plant operations to identify large tree stumps, buried root systems, and soft ground. Flag all major hazards. Approach large trees and root systems at reduced speed using correct push or grub technique as recommended by machine manufacturer. If ground suddenly becomes unstable, operator to immediately stop forward movement and assess stability before proceeding. Do not attempt to push over trees with trunk diameter greater than manufacturer-rated capacity.	Moderate	Plant Operator

4.Stump grinding

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Projectile from stump grinder striking workers	High	Establish a minimum 15 m exclusion zone around stump grinder operation in all directions of potential projectile trajectory. Install rubber deflector curtains on grinder discharge side. Operator must wear face shield in addition to safety glasses and hearing protection. Remove all personnel from exclusion zone before commencing. Probe or use metal detector to check stump for embedded nails, wire, or metal before grinding. Reduce operating speed on first pass to check for buried metal objects.	Low	Stump Grinder Operator

5.Topsoil stripping and stockpiling

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Dust generation affecting workers and neighbouring properties	Moderate	Monitor wind speed before commencing topsoil stripping — do not strip in winds exceeding 30 km/h without active dust suppression. Apply water cart to stripped areas every 30–60 minutes during dry conditions to maintain surface moisture. Cover topsoil stockpiles with geotextile erosion control fabric or hydromulch if stockpile will remain for more than 2 days. Workers in dusty conditions to wear P2 respirators. Notify neighbouring properties of clearing works in advance. Comply with relevant council dust management requirements.	Low	Site Supervisor / Plant 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: ___________________