Product Overview

This Removalist Safety SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for professional furniture removal and relocation tasks, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance on every job. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Removalist Safety, from handling heavy and awkward items to navigating stairwells, tight access, and complex delivery-removal services.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordinating delivery-removal services, including site access checks, traffic management and communication with clients
• Safe manual handling and team lifting techniques for moving heavy furniture items
• Managing the risks of lifting, carrying and manoeuvring awkward-sized furniture through tight or restricted spaces
• Moving and protecting furniture prior to flooring installation to prevent damage and minimise trip and slip hazards
• Specialised controls for piano removal and transport, including weight distribution, securing loads and use of trolleys and ramps
• Relocating goods between rooms, buildings or sites using safe pathways, clear communication and appropriate handling equipment
• Removing large items left behind by previous homeowners, including inspection for sharp edges, contamination or hidden hazards
• Repositioning heavy furniture within a room or building while controlling crush, pinch and strain injuries
• Assessing and managing stairwell accessibility for moving large items, including spotters, load limits and fall prevention
• Selection and safe use of removalist equipment such as dollies, hand trolleys, lifting straps and furniture sliders
• Loading, securing and unloading furniture and goods from vehicles to prevent shifting loads and manual handling injuries
• Housekeeping, exclusion zones and public protection when working in occupied homes, apartments and commercial premises

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for professional removalists, furniture delivery companies, piano movers, relocation services, flooring contractors coordinating furniture moves, and site supervisors managing residential or commercial moves.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling risks from hazardous manual handling involved in removalist work
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Framework for risk management processes applied to furniture removal and transport activities
• Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination – Requirements for consulting with workers, subcontractors and other PCBUs during moving operations
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working on stairs, steps, ramps, vehicle trays and elevated access points
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of trolleys, lifting aids and other removalist equipment
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (relevant parts) – General principles for the safe use of mechanical aids and equipment during moving tasks
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Guidance for integrating this SWMS into an organisation’s WHS management system
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017