Civil Construction SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers civil construction activities from site establishment and service location through excavation, installation, concrete work, reinstatement and demobilisation. It supports planning work steps and managing hazards involving services, plant, traffic, excavations, materials, dust, fuel and site access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the scope, establish the site and prepare for changing conditions and public interaction
• Locate and protect underground and overhead services before work begins
• Set up traffic and pedestrian controls around the work area
• Inspect plant, ground conditions and the work area
• Prepare the work area by stripping and clearing materials
• Excavate trenches and footings
• Install pipes and structures
• Place concrete and grout, then compact and form pavements
• Cut, drill and adjust materials
• Backfill, reinstate, manage fuel and spills, and demobilise the site

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out civil construction activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, provide safe plant and systems of work, consult workers, provide information/training/supervision, and prepare and implement a SWMS for applicable high risk construction work.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Code of Practice: Moving Plant on Construction Sites (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Relevant guidance standards: AS 1742.3 traffic control devices for works on roads; AS 3798 earthworks; AS 4744.1 trench shields; AS/NZS 3012 construction and demolition sites electrical installations; AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1270 hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1337.1 eye and face protection; AS/NZS 1801 industrial safety helmets; AS/NZS 2210.3 safety footwear; AS/NZS 4602.1 high-visibility garments; AS 2397 safe use of lasers in building and construction.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections