Product Overview

This Concrete Sleeper Retaining Wall SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the construction and installation of concrete sleeper retaining walls. It provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to planning, excavation, footing preparation, installation, and finishing works 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 for concrete sleeper retaining wall layout, access, and services
• Dial Before You Dig checks and identification of underground and overhead services prior to excavation
• Use of excavators, augers, and hand tools for trenching and post hole excavation
• Control of ground stability, working near edges, and prevention of trench collapse
• Setting out post locations, levels, and alignment to design specifications
• Handling, lifting, and placement of concrete sleepers using mechanical aids and correct manual handling techniques
• Installation and securing of steel or concrete posts, including concrete footings and curing considerations
• Use of cranes, loaders, or lifting attachments for moving and positioning heavy sleepers and posts
• Working adjacent to public areas, driveways, and neighbouring properties, including exclusion zones and traffic management
• Dust, noise, and vibration control during cutting, drilling, or trimming of sleepers and posts
• Use of power tools and cutting equipment, including controls for silica dust and flying debris
• Backfilling, compaction, and installation of drainage behind the retaining wall to prevent water pressure build-up
• Working at heights on stepped or tiered retaining walls, including edge protection and fall prevention
• Housekeeping, waste management, and maintaining safe access and egress around the work area
• Emergency response planning, incident reporting, and first aid arrangements on site

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for landscapers, concreters, retaining wall installers, civil and earthworks contractors, and site supervisors involved in the construction of concrete sleeper retaining walls on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including structural and earthworks.
• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Requirements and controls for safe excavation, trenching, and working in and around excavations.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working at heights and preventing falls during retaining wall construction.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Risk management for manual handling of heavy sleepers, posts, and materials.
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Guidance for controlling noise from plant and power tools.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of excavators, cranes, loaders, and powered equipment.
• AS 3600 Concrete Structures – General requirements for the design and construction of concrete structures and components.
• AS 4678 Earth-retaining structures – Design and performance requirements for retaining structures, including sleeper walls.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017