Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety controls for operating and maintaining lawn mowing and turf care equipment, with a strong focus on eliminating or minimising risks to workers and the public. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document covering multiple aspects of lawn mowing and turf care operations to support WHS compliance on Australian worksites, sports fields, and public spaces.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of walk-behind lawn mowers, including 4-stroke models, in domestic, commercial, and open-space environments
• Use of ride-on and motor mower ride-on equipment for large area mowing and land clearing activities
• Operation of gang mowers and greens maintenance equipment on sports fields, golf courses, and high-finish turf areas
• Techniques for safe grass cutting and mowing near pedestrians, vehicles, and other public interface areas
• Procedures for mowing on gentle slopes, including assessment of gradient, traction, and rollover risks
• Planning and execution of lawn mowing or land clearing tasks, including hazard identification and environmental considerations
• Use of lawn scarifiers for dethatching and renovation, including controls for debris, noise, and vibration exposure
• Operation of lawn sod cutters for turf removal, including blade safety, manual handling, and ground condition checks
• Lawn top-dressing activities, including handling and spreading of soils and sands, dust control, and ergonomic practices
• Management of sand bunker maintenance and turf interfaces on sports fields and golf courses
• Routine and periodic maintenance of mowers and turf care machinery, including isolation, guarding, and blade handling
• Safe disposal, transport, and temporary storage of green waste, clippings, and organic material
• Maintenance of sports fields and turf surfaces, including inspection, traffic management, and interaction with other site users
• Selection, inspection, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for noise, dust, flying objects, and sun exposure
• Traffic and pedestrian management controls when operating turf care equipment in parks, schools, roadside verges, and public reserves

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for lawn and turf contractors, groundskeepers, greenkeepers, sports field and golf course maintenance crews, landscaping businesses, local councils, and site supervisors responsible for mowing and turf care activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice – guidance on safe use, maintenance, and guarding of lawn mowers and turf care machinery
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice – controls for noise exposure from mowers, gang units, and powered turf equipment
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice – risk controls for pushing, lifting, refuelling, servicing, and handling turf care equipment and materials
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice – requirements for safe outdoor work, amenities, and environmental conditions
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice – framework for risk management applied to mowing and turf care operations
• Safe Work Australia – Guide to Managing Risks in Landscaping and Horticulture – industry-specific guidance for grounds maintenance and turf care work
• AS 2550 series – Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (referenced where lifting equipment is used for machinery handling)
• AS/NZS 3012 – Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – where portable electrical equipment or power tools are used in turf maintenance
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017