Product Overview

This Compactor (Vibrating Plate) Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a fully developed safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the safe use of compactors and vibrating equipment on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive resource that covers multiple aspects of compaction operations, helping you demonstrate WHS compliance and manage High Risk Construction Work involving vibrating plate compactors and related machinery.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe compacting of soil around pools, including controls for working near edges, services, and existing structures
• Operation of hydraulic tampers with controls for noise, vibration, manual handling, and flying debris
• Manual compacting with hand tampers, including ergonomic techniques to minimise musculoskeletal strain
• General operating procedures for powered compactors, including pre-start checks, isolation, and emergency stop use
• Use of plate compactors on various ground conditions, with guidance on stability, footing, and operator positioning
• Remote control trench roller operation, including exclusion zones and managing risks of roll-over and crushing
• Roller compaction of soil and base materials, including traffic management and working around mobile plant
• Safe roller operation on slopes, near excavations, and in confined areas to prevent roll-over and ground collapse
• Use of dedicated soil compactors in civil and landscaping works, including plant–pedestrian interaction controls
• Use of vibrating tools such as compactors, with controls for hand–arm vibration, noise, and exposure limits
• Selection, inspection, and maintenance of compactors, rollers, and tampers to ensure they remain safe for use
• Management of dust, noise, and exhaust fumes generated during compaction activities
• Safe loading, unloading, and transport of compactors and rollers on trailers and vehicles

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, landscapers, pool builders, concreters, earthmoving contractors, hire companies, and site supervisors responsible for compaction works using compactors, rollers, and vibrating tools.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – for managing risks associated with construction and related activities
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for controlling noise from compactors and vibrating equipment
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – for managing manual handling risks when moving and operating compactors and tampers
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – for safe use, inspection, and maintenance of compactors, rollers, and vibrating tools
• AS 2550 series – Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (referenced where lifting equipment is used to load/unload compactors and rollers)
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – where electrically powered compactors or associated equipment are used