Excavator SWMS Template
This pre-written Excavator SWMS template gives you a compliant, ready-to-use document you can put to work today. Supplied as an instant download in fully editable Microsoft Word format, it sets out the hazards, risks and control measures typically associated with operating and maintaining an excavator on your worksites — so you're not starting from a blank page.
Is a SWMS Required for Operating an Excavator?
Operating an excavator on work sites is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under Schedule 3 of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, as it involves work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant, and potentially work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m. That means before work begins, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement — not optional, not just best practice.
What This SWMS Covers:
- PPE
- Working outside
- Working near roads
- Checking work area
- Services and utilities
- Loading and unloading excavator
- Excavator checks and maintenance
- Entering and exiting the excavator
- Excavator movement on site
- Operating excavator
- Refuelling
- Loading materials
- Shutting down excavator
What's Included:
- High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) selection table
- Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
- Step by step procedures
- Possible hazards
- Safety controls
- Safety responsibilities
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Plant and equipment
- Legislation, regulations, codes and standards
- Worker signoff
References and Standards:
- Work Health and Safety Act
- Work Health and Safety Regulations
- COP Construction Work
- COP First Aid in the Workplace
- COP Hazardous Manual Tasks
- COP Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss
- COP Excavation Work
- COP Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
- AS 3798:2007 – Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments
- AS 1742.3:2019 – Manual of uniform traffic control devices – Traffic control for works on roads
- AS 5327:2022 – Earth-moving Machinery – Access Systems
COP = Safe Work Australia Code of Practice
Features:
- Instant download link sent to your email
- User friendly, fully editable Microsoft Word format
- Add your company details and use in your business today
- Will save you countless hours in research and development
- Free phone and email support if you need it
Who Is This SWMS For?
This SWMS is built for excavation, earthmoving, construction, landscaping, plumbing, or any businesses operating excavators for digging, trenching, or site clearing work.
Why These SWMS Over the Alternatives?
vs. Writing them yourself
A properly written SWMS needs to identify the correct high-risk construction work category, list realistic hazards and controls, include a risk matrix, specify PPE requirements, and align with the WHS Act, Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice. That's hours of research most businesses don't have time for. This one is already written — you're customising by adding business and site-specific information, not creating it from scratch.
vs. Hiring a consultant to write them
A WHS consultant charging to produce bespoke SWMS typically bills $200–$500+ per document. This one costs $69.95.
vs. Free or AI templates
Free templates and AI-generated documents can look the part without being fit for purpose. Without the WHS knowledge to check what's in front of you, errors can slip through unnoticed — and most AI tools openly say their output needs checking for accuracy. The question is whether you have the expertise to know what "accurate" looks like. If not, that's where the real risk sits.
Need More Than One SWMS?
If you need SWMS for more than one task, browse our SWMS Industry Packs to find the discounted bundle that matches your trade, or browse our full range of SWMS Templates.
If you are multi-trade or need more than a handful of SWMS but not a full SWMS Industry Pack, we can put together a custom pack at a discounted price based on the number of SWMS you need. Email us for a custom quote — or call 1800 304 336 and we'll sort it out with you directly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use this SWMS template on more than one job? Yes. Once purchased, you can use and adapt this SWMS across unlimited projects and sites for your business — there's no per-project fee or subscription.
How do I customise this SWMS for my business? Add your company details and adjust the control measures to reflect your specific site conditions where needed. It's supplied in fully editable Microsoft Word format, so no special software is required.
Is a SWMS legally required for operating an excavator? Yes. Operating an excavator on work sites is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) under Schedule 3 of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, as it involves work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant, and potentially work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m. That means before work begins, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement — not optional, not just best practice.