Remote Work and Outdoor Activities SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers remote work and outdoor activities from planning and travel through to emergency response and pack-down. It supports managing isolation, access, communications, weather, outdoor tasks, fuel, wildlife and wellbeing.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the remote activity, supplies and emergency arrangements
• Travel to and establish access at the remote location
• Test communications and complete check-ins
• Set up camp and manage site conditions
• Conduct hiking or field travel
• Manage weather, UV and changing conditions
• Carry out outdoor work tasks
• Cook and manage fuel
• Manage wildlife and biological hazards
• Monitor fatigue, hydration and wellbeing
• Respond to emergencies
• Pack down, manage waste and sign off

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses undertaking remote work or outdoor activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage risks, provide adequate facilities, first aid, emergency arrangements and effective communication for remote or isolated work.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — guidance only; check adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction. It addresses outdoor shelter, UV protection and effective communication for remote or isolated workers.
• Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — guidance only; check adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction. It identifies additional first-aid and evacuation considerations where remote access, weather or response times delay emergency assistance.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — guidance only; apply consultation, risk assessment, hierarchy of controls, review and recordkeeping principles.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — guidance only; check adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction. Fatigue can reduce alertness, coordination, communication, judgement and reaction time, particularly during driving and hazardous work.
• Relevant guidance standards: AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk management — Guidelines; AS/NZS 45001 Occupational health and safety management systems; AS/NZS 4602.1 High-visibility safety garments where workers may be exposed to vehicle traffic; AS/NZS 2210.3 Personal protective equipment—Safety footwear.

---

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections