Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to safely managing all aspects of tree pruning assessment and ground operations, helping your business maintain strong WHS compliance on every job. It is a comprehensive document that covers planning, assessment, pruning, treatment and removal activities associated with Tree Pruning Assessment and Ground Operations in Australian workplaces.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Conducting detailed coppicing operations while controlling kickback, manual handling and debris hazards
• Planning and executing crown reduction activities to minimise limb failure, falling objects and public exposure
• Carrying out formative pruning works to promote tree structure while managing tool use, access and ergonomic risks
• Identifying hazardous trees, including structural defects, decay and instability that may pose a risk to workers and the public
• Identifying veteran and historic trees with heritage, ecological or cultural value and applying appropriate protection measures
• Performing aerial eucalypt identification and assessment to determine species-specific risks such as brittle limbs or sudden limb drop
• Undertaking pollarding operations with controls for working at height, chainsaw use and safe drop zones
• Planning and executing the removal of infected trees, including biosecurity controls and safe felling or dismantling techniques
• Carrying out root pruning operations while managing underground services, plant stability and trip hazards
• Applying target pruning operations to minimise damage to the tree and reduce the risk of uncontrolled branch failure
• Treating tree wounds using appropriate tools, chemicals and techniques while controlling exposure and environmental risks
• Managing tree care handler tasks, including safe handling, loading and chipping of branches, logs and green waste
• Conducting trunk injection treatments with controls for chemical handling, PPE, spill management and public safety
• Undertaking complex tree risk assessments, including documentation, hierarchy of control measures and communication with clients and site controllers
• General ground operations around tree work, including establishing exclusion zones, traffic and pedestrian management, and emergency response planning

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree surgeons, vegetation management contractors, local councils, landscaping companies and site supervisors responsible for tree pruning assessment and ground-based tree operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use of chainsaws, chippers and other tree work plant and equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying and handling branches, logs and equipment during tree operations.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for working at height during aerial assessment and pruning activities.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Relevant to trunk injection treatments and use of chemical tree treatments.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with tree pruning and assessment.
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance for first aid arrangements for chainsaw injuries, falls and other tree work incidents.
• AS 4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees: Industry standard for correct pruning techniques and tree care practices.
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (relevant parts): Requirements for harnesses, lanyards and associated fall-arrest equipment used in aerial tree work.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017