Product Overview

This Motor Grader Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed to help businesses identify hazards, implement controls, and maintain safe operation of motor graders on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of motor grader operation and WHS compliance, from site preparation through to shutdown and maintenance.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and pre-start inspections of the motor grader, including verification of safety features, guards, lights, and warning devices
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for grading and associated earthmoving activities
• Safe access to and egress from the motor grader cab, including three-point contact and prevention of slips, trips, and falls
• Operation of the motor grader in open work areas, including speed control, visibility, and segregation of plant and pedestrians
• Grading and levelling of roadways, hardstands, and construction pads, with controls for ground instability and changing surface conditions
• Working near edges, embankments, trenches, and excavations, including controls to prevent rollovers and ground collapse
• Operating on sloping, uneven, or soft ground, with risk controls for loss of traction, bogging, and machine instability
• Interaction with other mobile plant and vehicles, including traffic management plans, spotters, and communication protocols
• Working in low-light, night, or poor weather conditions, including lighting requirements and reduced-visibility procedures
• Managing noise, dust, and vibration exposure to operators and nearby workers during grading operations
• Refuelling, isolation, and lockout/tagout procedures to control risks during maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs
• Emergency procedures for plant failure, fire, rollovers, and incidents involving contact with underground or overhead services
• Environmental controls for managing run-off, erosion, and protection of nearby services and structures during grading works

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, road construction crews, earthmoving and mining operators, local councils, and site supervisors responsible for motor grader operations.

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 Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with the use of motor graders and other plant
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for managing noise exposure from motor grader operation
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for manual handling associated with access, egress, and maintenance tasks
• Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice (where applicable by jurisdiction): Guidance on safe interaction between graders, other plant, and road users
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series): General principles for machinery safety and guarding where relevant to plant