Product Overview

This Excavator Attachments Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level procedures, hazards, and control measures required to safely select, fit, operate, and maintain excavator attachments on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document designed to support WHS compliance and effective risk management for a wide range of excavator attachment operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate excavator attachments for the task, ground conditions, and machine capacity
• Inspection of quick hitches, couplers, pins, and locking mechanisms prior to use
• Safe fitting and removal of buckets, grabs, augers, hammers, and other attachments
• Verification of attachment engagement, locking indicators, and test lifts before commencing work
• Operation of hydraulic attachments, including hammers and augers, within manufacturer limits
• Managing exclusion zones to protect workers and the public from moving plant and attachments
• Controlling risks of dropped or detached attachments during lifting, slewing, and travelling
• Working around underground and overhead services when using specialised excavator attachments
• Noise, vibration, and dust control when operating high-impact or cutting attachments
• Manual handling and storage of smaller attachments, tools, and ancillary equipment
• Routine cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of attachments to maintain safe operation
• Emergency procedures for attachment failure, hydraulic leaks, or uncontrolled movement

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, earthmoving and excavation businesses, plumbing and electrical contractors using plant, landscaping and demolition crews, and site supervisors managing works involving excavators and attachments.

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: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace – guidance on safe use of excavators and attachments as plant
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – requirements for planning and controlling risks on construction sites
• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – controls for excavation hazards when using excavator attachments
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – relevant to hydraulic hammers and other noisy attachments
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – guidance for handling and changing smaller attachments safely
• AS 2550 series – Cranes, hoists and winches (safe use) – referenced where excavators and attachments are used for lifting operations
• AS 1418 series – Cranes, hoists and winches (design and operations) – applicable when attachments are used for lifting loads