Product Overview

This Excavation Work Over 1.5m Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, control, and manage the significant risks associated with excavations deeper than 1.5 metres on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that supports WHS compliance and effective control of hazards for High Risk Construction Work involving excavations and trenching.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and set-up of excavation works over 1.5 metres, including site assessment and locating underground services
• Selection and installation of appropriate shoring, shielding, benching, or battering systems to prevent trench wall collapse
• Safe operation of excavators, backhoes, and other plant used for deep excavation and trenching
• Establishment of exclusion zones, barricades, and signage around open excavations to control unauthorised access
• Control of ground stability risks, including working near edges, vibration, water ingress, and adjacent structures
• Management of spoil piles, plant positioning, and loads near the excavation to minimise surcharge and collapse risks
• Safe access and egress to and from excavations, including ladders, ramps, and designated entry points
• Monitoring of atmospheric conditions in deeper excavations where hazardous gases, fumes, or low oxygen may be present
• Traffic management around excavation areas, including interaction with pedestrians and mobile plant
• Emergency response planning for trench collapse, worker rescue, and first aid arrangements
• Environmental controls for dust, noise, water runoff, and protection of nearby services or structures
• Daily inspection, maintenance, and sign-off procedures for excavation support systems and site controls

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, plumbing and drainage crews, electrical and communications contractors, builders, and site supervisors involved in excavation and trenching works over 1.5 metres.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with excavation and trenching activities
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Requirements and controls for high risk construction work on building and civil sites
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for fall hazards around open excavations and edges
• AS 3798 Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments – Guidance on earthworks, compaction, and stability considerations
• AS 2159 Piling – Design and Installation – Relevant where excavation interfaces with piling and ground support systems
• AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices – Requirements for traffic management around road and civil excavations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017