Product Overview

This Passenger Transport Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards and implement controls for the safe operation of passenger transport services, with a strong focus on duty of care and public safety. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of Passenger Transport SWMS, supporting robust WHS compliance for drivers, operators, and supervisors.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe assistance and manual handling techniques when supporting disabled or mobility-impaired passengers
• Use of ramps, hoists, wheelchair restraints, and securing systems for passengers with disabilities
• Passenger embarkation and disembarkation procedures at kerbs, stops, depots, and high-traffic areas
• Management of crowding, queuing, and passenger flow at doors and aisles to prevent slips, trips, and falls
• Secure and compliant fare collection duties, including handling of cash, tickets, cards, and electronic payment devices
• Dealing with aggressive, intoxicated, or non-compliant passengers and managing conflict or antisocial behaviour
• Safe operation of buses, coaches, shuttles, and passenger vehicles in urban, rural, and high-density traffic environments
• Emergency procedures for breakdowns, collisions, evacuations, and medical incidents involving passengers
• Fatigue management, fitness for duty, and shift work considerations for passenger transport drivers
• Communication protocols with dispatch, control centres, emergency services, and other road users
• Inspection and pre-start checks of passenger vehicles, including doors, steps, lighting, and safety equipment
• Infection control measures and hygiene practices within passenger cabins and high-touch surfaces

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for bus and coach operators, community transport providers, shuttle and charter services, disability transport services, and site or fleet supervisors responsible for passenger transport operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017 (NSW): Operational and safety requirements for public and private passenger transport services (where applicable)
• Passenger Transport Act 2014 (NSW): Legislative framework for the provision of public passenger services (where applicable)
• Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002: Requirements for accessible public transport services for people with disabilities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Guidance on providing safe access, amenities, and conditions for workers and passengers
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Systematic approach to identifying hazards and implementing control measures
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Controls for embarkation, disembarkation, steps, and elevated access points
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace: Requirements for first aid equipment, facilities, and response procedures in transport operations
• AS 1428 Design for Access and Mobility: Standards for accessible environments, including ramps and circulation spaces relevant to passenger access
• AS/NZS 4600 Wheelchair and Occupant Restraint Systems: Guidance on the safe securing of wheelchairs and occupants in vehicles (where referenced by jurisdiction)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017