Product Overview

This 5T Excavator and Skid Steer Loader Combo On Site SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement developed to identify, assess, and control the risks associated with operating these machines on Australian worksites. It provides end-to-end coverage of planning, mobilisation, operation, and demobilisation activities to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and site assessment prior to operating a 5T excavator and skid steer loader combo on site
• Selection, pre-start inspection, and ongoing maintenance checks of the excavator and skid steer loader
• Safe loading, unloading, and securing of plant from transport vehicles on site
• Establishing exclusion zones, traffic management, and spotter use around operating plant
• Operation of the 5T excavator for trenching, bulk earthworks, and detailed excavation near services
• Use of skid steer loaders for backfilling, levelling, and material handling in confined or busy work areas
• Attachment selection, fitment, and safe use (e.g. buckets, augers, rock breakers, pallet forks)
• Working around underground and overhead services, including dial-before-you-dig and isolation controls
• Managing interaction with pedestrians, other mobile plant, and delivery vehicles on congested worksites
• Controls for working on slopes, unstable ground, or near excavations, embankments, and edges
• Noise, dust, vibration, and diesel exhaust risk management for plant operators and nearby workers
• Emergency procedures for plant rollover, collision, ground collapse, or contact with services
• Fatigue management, fit for work checks, and competency requirements for plant operators
• Safe parking, shutdown, isolation, and securing of plant at breaks and at the end of shift

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, plumbing and drainage crews, landscapers, demolition contractors, hire companies, and site supervisors coordinating on-site use of 5T excavators and skid steer loaders.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including mobile plant operations.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for safe use, inspection, and maintenance of plant such as excavators and skid steer loaders.
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Risk controls for trenching, ground stability, and working near excavations.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Relevant to working near edges, trenches, and changes in level where plant is operating.
• AS 2550 series – Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Referenced for general lifting and load-handling principles where applicable to plant operations.
• AS 4970 – Protection of trees on development sites – Guidance where excavators and skid steers operate near retained vegetation and root zones.
• AS/NZS 3012 – Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – For managing electrical risks where plant operates near temporary electrical installations.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017