Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-risk construction work activities, hazards and control measures for Roadworks Kerbing and Ground Stabilization on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that consolidates multiple kerbing, ground improvement and stabilisation operations to support strong WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Carrying out land reclamation activities, including excavation, filling, compaction and management of unstable ground
• Construction of concrete kerb and gutter systems for roadways, car parks and drainage control
• Installation of concrete kerb and channel, including formwork, reinforcement placement and concrete pouring
• Preparation and enabling of ground conditions prior to kerbing and pavement works, including proof rolling and subgrade treatment
• Geotechnical soil nailing operations to stabilise cuttings, slopes and retaining structures
• Application of ground improvement techniques such as compaction, grouting and drainage to minimise settlement and failure
• Ground stabilising operations using mechanical, chemical or geosynthetic methods to improve bearing capacity
• Use of soil stabiliser plant and equipment, including spreaders, mixers, rollers and associated mobile plant
• Stabilisation of embankments and batters, including erosion control, benching and installation of protective systems
• Traffic management around roadworks kerbing and stabilisation zones, including signage, barriers and spotters
• Manual handling of kerb units, formwork, reinforcement and hoses to reduce musculoskeletal injury risks
• Control of dust, noise, vibration and environmental impacts during ground stabilisation and kerbing operations
• Safe interaction between workers, mobile plant, concrete trucks and delivery vehicles in active roadwork areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil construction contractors, roadworks and kerbing crews, ground engineering and geotechnical contractors, plant operators, and site supervisors managing road and infrastructure projects involving kerbing and ground stabilisation.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Managing health and safety risks associated with construction activities including roadworks and ground stabilisation
• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Guidance for safe excavation, trenching and ground disturbance during kerbing and stabilisation
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working near edges, embankments and excavations
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Requirements for high-noise plant such as rollers, stabilisers and concrete saws
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Risk controls for lifting, carrying and handling kerb units, formwork and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of rollers, stabilisers, excavators, loaders and concrete equipment
• AS 1379 – Specification and supply of concrete – Guidance for concrete used in kerbs, gutters and channels
• AS 3600 – Concrete structures – Structural and durability requirements relevant to kerb and channel construction
• AS 3798 – Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments – Compaction and earthworks requirements for subgrades and embankments
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017