Product Overview

This Landscape Construction and Hardscaping SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for landscaping and hardscape installation works. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of landscape construction and hardscaping activities to support robust WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Application of geotextiles and geofabric, including manual handling, cutting, fixing, and trench work
• Safe installation and removal of artificial turf, including subgrade preparation and adhesive use
• Cleaning patios and decks using pressure cleaners, chemicals, and manual tools while managing slips and trip hazards
• Conditioning soil with rock pickers and similar equipment, including guarding, exclusion zones, and noise controls
• Construction of water features and ponds, including excavation, waterproofing, electrical interface, and fall-into-water risks
• Creation of new landscape features such as garden beds, edging, and retaining elements with appropriate structural and stability controls
• Landscape drainage works, including trenching, pipe laying, backfilling, and working around underground services
• Drainage works near trees, including root management, tree protection, and plant and equipment exclusion zones
• Routine and corrective fountain maintenance, including isolation of pumps, electrical safety, and working near water
• Garden renovation activities involving demolition, including removal of old structures, concrete, and hard surfaces with dust and debris control
• Installation and removal of goal posts and similar landscape fixtures, including lifting techniques and use of mechanical aids
• Installing garden steps or stairs, including excavation, formwork, compaction, and slip/trip prevention
• Installing outdoor kitchens or barbecues, including lifting and positioning, gas and electrical coordination, and fire risk management
• Installing shade structures, pergolas, and similar overhead features, including work at height and structural stability controls
• General hardscaping tasks such as paving, concreting, and compacting surfaces to minimise manual handling and plant interaction risks

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for landscapers, landscape construction contractors, civil and grounds maintenance crews, hardscaping specialists, and site supervisors overseeing outdoor construction and renovation works.

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 – managing risks associated with general construction and landscape construction activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – controls for working on steps, stairs, elevated platforms, and around excavations
• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – requirements for trenches and excavations used for drainage, foundations, and landscape features
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – guidance for powered equipment such as rock pickers, compactors, and pressure cleaners
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – controls for lifting, carrying, and handling pavers, turf rolls, goal posts, and structural elements
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals – safe use of cleaning agents, sealants, adhesives, and treatment products
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage – relevant guidance for landscape drainage connections and water feature plumbing interfaces
• AS 2156.1 Walking Tracks – Classification and signage – as guidance where landscape paths, steps, and access ways are provided for public use