Product Overview

This Roadside Assistance Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed safety planning document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for roadside service work. It provides comprehensive coverage of multiple aspects of roadside assistance operations to support WHS compliance and safer outcomes for workers and stranded motorists.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assisting stranded motorists on high-speed roads, motorways, rural roads, and urban streets
• Safe positioning of roadside assistance vehicles to maximise visibility and minimise exposure to passing traffic
• Use of hazard warning lights, beacons, cones, signage, and high-visibility PPE to establish a safe work zone
• Changing tyres roadside, including jacking procedures, wheel chocks, and managing vehicle movement risks
• Selection and inspection of jacks, wheel braces, and other tools to prevent equipment failure and manual handling injuries
• Jump starting a dead battery, including correct connection and disconnection of jumper leads to prevent arcing and electric shock
• Managing risks of battery explosion, acid exposure, and ignition sources when working near vehicle fuel systems
• Replacing vehicle batteries roadside, including safe lifting techniques and handling of heavy batteries
• Control of environmental risks from battery acid spills and appropriate containment and clean-up methods
• Working in adverse weather conditions (rain, heat, low light) and implementing additional controls for reduced visibility
• Managing work on uneven ground, soft shoulders, or sloping verges to prevent slips, trips, falls, and vehicle instability
• Communication with motorists and coordination with emergency services or traffic control where required
• Fatigue management and lone worker procedures for roadside assistance personnel on call or working after hours

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for roadside assistance providers, tow truck operators, automotive technicians, mobile mechanics, and site supervisors responsible for managing roadside service activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use of vehicle jacks, lifting equipment, and tools
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements for managing manual handling risks such as lifting and carrying batteries and tyres
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Principles for ensuring a safe work environment in roadside and mobile work settings
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites: Referenced for safe use of portable electrical equipment where applicable
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Guidance for inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment used in roadside assistance operations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017