Product Overview

This Excavation Shoring, Benching and Shielding Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective controls for excavation support systems to prevent ground collapse and worker injury. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of excavation support, trench stability and ground retention to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Benching to create safe, stable flat zones within excavations and trenches
• Planning and conducting benching operations in accordance with soil type and site conditions
• Benching along one or both sides of a trench to minimise the risk of wall collapse
• Developing and implementing a cave-in and trench collapse rescue plan, including emergency response procedures
• Selection, installation and inspection of earth retention systems such as shoring, shielding and trench boxes
• Installing shoring systems for trenches to control ground movement and prevent cave-ins
• Installing trench boxes and shields, including lifting, placement, securing and removal procedures
• Maintaining stable ground support through regular inspection, monitoring for movement and managing water ingress
• Immediate reaction and emergency response to sudden soil collapse or loss of ground stability
• Safe removal and dismantling of trench supports and shoring systems without compromising trench stability
• Erection and adjustment of shields in trenches, including working within protected zones
• Shoring, benching and pit installation for deeper excavations and service pits
• Installation and verification of shoring support systems, including engineered designs and manufacturers’ instructions
• Slope or bench digging techniques to achieve compliant batter angles and safe access/egress
• General trenching and shoring activities, including exclusion zones, plant interaction and spoil placement

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, plumbing and drainage crews, utility installers, excavation and trenching teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing shoring, benching and shielding works on Australian construction sites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Excavation Work Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with excavation, trenching, shoring and ground collapse
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Relevant to access/egress, ladders and working near edges of excavations
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, emergency planning and amenities around excavation works
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Provisions for first aid and emergency response for trench and cave-in incidents
• Safe Work Australia – Guide to Excavation Work: Additional guidance on excavation stability, benching, battering and shoring systems
• AS 3798 – Guidelines on Earthworks for Commercial and Residential Developments: Guidance on earthworks, compaction and ground stability where applicable
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017