Product Overview

This Fauna Spotter Catcher Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, assess, and control risks associated with the identification, capture, handling, relocation, and protection of wildlife on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that supports WHS compliance and provides end-to-end coverage of all key activities involved in Fauna Spotter Catcher operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation of fauna spotter catcher works, including pre-start checks, permits, and environmental approvals
• Site inspection and assessment of habitat, fauna presence, and potential environmental constraints before work commences
• Safe identification and assessment of native fauna species, including venomous snakes, reptiles, mammals, and birds
• Selection and use of appropriate capture, containment, and handling equipment for different fauna types
• Low-stress capture, restraint, and handling techniques to minimise harm to both workers and animals
• Safe relocation and release of fauna away from work areas in accordance with licence conditions and environmental requirements
• Working around plant, vehicles, and mobile equipment while conducting fauna spotting and capture activities
• Communication and coordination with site supervisors, machine operators, and environmental personnel during clearing works
• Management of manual handling risks associated with cages, traps, carry boxes, and field equipment
• Control of heat stress, dehydration, and remote or isolated work risks for fauna spotter catchers
• Management of bites, stings, zoonotic disease, and other biological hazards, including first aid and emergency response
• Night works and low-visibility operations, including use of lighting, high-visibility PPE, and traffic management controls
• Documentation, reporting, and record-keeping for fauna interactions, incidents, and environmental compliance

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for fauna spotter catchers, ecological consultants, vegetation clearing contractors, civil and construction crews, and site supervisors responsible for managing wildlife interactions on Australian worksites.

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
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe and healthy work environment for fauna spotter catcher activities
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with fauna handling and relocation
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements, including treatment of bites, stings, and other fauna-related injuries
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Relevant where fauna spotting or capture is undertaken near edges, embankments, or elevated areas
• Traffic Management Code of Practice (where adopted by jurisdiction): Guidance for working safely around vehicles and mobile plant during fauna spotter catcher operations
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves: Selection and use of hand protection for handling fauna and equipment
• AS/NZS 2210 Safety, protective and occupational footwear: Requirements for protective footwear in outdoor and construction environments
• AS/NZS 1337 Eye protectors for industrial applications: Guidance on eye protection where there is a risk from fauna, vegetation, or debris