Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to managing risks associated with general light vehicle and company car driving on and between Australian worksites, helping duty holders maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of General Light Vehicle and Company Car Driving, from daily operation and journey planning through to high-risk conditions and emergency responses.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Driving company light vehicles for work purposes, including pool cars and site vehicles
• Planning and driving long distances for property inspections and other work-related travel
• Adjusting seats, steering, mirrors, and cabin layout to optimise driver comfort and reduce fatigue and musculoskeletal strain
• Safe operation of company vehicles in and around construction sites and active work zones
• Driving in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, high winds, heat, and low visibility
• Maintaining focus and managing distractions while driving during adverse weather and other challenging conditions
• Techniques for navigating heavy traffic, congestion, and stop–start driving while minimising collision risks
• Safe intersection navigation, lane changing, and turning, including signalling, gap selection, and speed control
• Maintaining safe following distances and speed management to prevent rear-end and multi-vehicle incidents
• Maintaining a clear field of vision, including correct mirror use, windscreen and window management, and load positioning
• Eliminating or minimising blind spots through correct mirror setup, head checks, and vehicle positioning
• Employing navigation technology (GPS, in-vehicle systems, mobile devices) safely and legally while driving
• Understanding and complying with state and territory specific road rules and transport requirements
• Learning, applying, and regularly reviewing general Australian road regulations relevant to work driving
• Pre-start vehicle checks, basic maintenance awareness, and defect reporting for light vehicles and company cars

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for employees who drive company vehicles, property and real estate inspectors, construction and civil workers using light vehicles, field technicians, sales representatives, and site supervisors responsible for managing work-related driving risks.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing safe conditions for workers, including those driving as part of their duties
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Applicable to light vehicles as plant used in the course of work
• Managing the Risk of Fatigue at Work (Safe Work Australia guidance material): Principles for controlling fatigue risks associated with long-distance and extended driving
• Safe Work Australia – Work-Related Driving Guidance: Best practice recommendations for managing driving risks as part of work activities
• Australian Road Rules: Model road rules forming the basis of state and territory road legislation for light vehicle operation