Product Overview

This Skid Steer Loader Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for the safe operation of skid steer loaders on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Skid Steer Loader SWMS activities to support robust WHS compliance and risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Pre-start inspection of skid steer loaders, including tyres, attachments, hydraulics, controls and safety devices
• Safe operation of skid steer loaders (Bobcats) in construction, landscaping, civil and industrial environments
• Selection, fitting and secure use of attachments such as buckets, forks, augers and sweepers
• Management of visibility, blind spots and interaction with pedestrians and other mobile plant
• Safe loading, unloading and securing of skid steer loaders on trailers or transport vehicles
• Controls for operating on slopes, uneven ground, soft surfaces and near edges or excavations
• Traffic management planning, including designated routes, exclusion zones and spotter use
• Controls for working around overhead and underground services, structures and other fixed hazards
• Procedures for refuelling, isolation, maintenance, cleaning and lock-out/tag-out of the plant
• Noise, dust and vibration risk management for operators and nearby workers
• Emergency response procedures for rollovers, collisions, mechanical failure and injuries
• Operator competency, licensing, induction and supervision requirements for skid steer use

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for earthmoving and civil contractors, landscapers, builders, demolition crews, plant hire companies, and site supervisors overseeing skid steer (Bobcat) operations on Australian worksites.

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 involving mobile plant
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for the safe use, inspection and maintenance of plant such as skid steer loaders
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control implementation
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Relevant where skid steers operate near edges, excavations or elevated areas
• Model Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces – Guidance on separating pedestrians and vehicles and managing mobile plant movements
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – Principles for safeguarding and safe use of machinery and plant
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Applicable where skid steer operations interface with temporary electrical installations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017