Product Overview

This Grader Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed to help businesses and operators identify, control, and minimise risks associated with grader operation on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of grader use, from mobilisation and set-up through to grading, maintenance, and demobilisation, supporting WHS compliance and effective plant and equipment risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Pre-start inspections, function checks, and verification that the grader is fit for purpose
• Safe mounting, dismounting, and maintaining three points of contact to prevent slips, trips, and falls
• Planning the work area, establishing exclusion zones, and managing interaction with other plant and pedestrians
• Operation of the grader for bulk earthworks, cutting, trimming, and final surface grading
• Safe use and adjustment of blades, rippers, and other grader attachments
• Working on slopes, uneven ground, and near open edges while maintaining machine stability
• Traffic management controls when operating on or adjacent to live roadways and haul routes
• Management of visibility risks, blind spots, spotters, and use of mirrors and cameras
• Controls for noise, dust, vibration, and flying debris affecting the operator and nearby workers
• Refuelling, isolation, and lock-out/tag-out procedures for inspection, maintenance, and repairs
• Emergency procedures for machine failure, roll-over, fire, and uncontrolled movement
• Safe parking, securing the grader, and post-operation inspections at the end of the shift

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil construction contractors, road construction and maintenance crews, earthmoving and mining operators, plant hire companies, and site supervisors responsible for grader operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Managing risks associated with construction activities involving graders and other mobile plant
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace – Guidance on safe use, inspection, maintenance, and operation of graders
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Relevant to fuels, oils, lubricants, and cleaning agents used with graders
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noise exposure from grader operation
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – Principles for guarding and safe design of machinery and mobile plant
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites – Where electrical tools and equipment are used in support of grader operations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017