Product Overview

This Winter Sports Safety SWMS is a fully editable Safe Work Method Statement designed to help workplaces control hazards and maintain WHS compliance for winter sports environments and associated plant. It provides comprehensive coverage of snowfield operations, outlining step-by-step risk controls for multiple aspects of Winter Sports Safety, including snowmaking, grooming, and general alpine work activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of snow making and grooming operations in alpine and sub-alpine conditions
• Safe operation of snowmaking equipment, including pumps, hoses, hydrants, and snow guns
• Management of high-pressure water and air systems used in snow production
• Use of snow groomers, tractors, and tracked vehicles for slope preparation and maintenance
• Traffic management for plant and vehicles operating on ski runs, access roads, and shared zones with pedestrians
• Working in low-visibility, night, and adverse weather conditions, including fog, blizzards, and glare
• Control of slip, trip, and fall risks on ice, compacted snow, and uneven terrain
• Working near edges, drop-offs, and steep slopes, including rollover prevention for mobile plant
• Manual handling of snowmaking hoses, nozzles, barriers, and portable equipment in cold environments
• Electrical safety for powered snowmaking and lighting systems, including extension leads and temporary power
• Cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite prevention through appropriate PPE, work-rest regimes, and supervision
• Noise and vibration exposure from snow groomers, compressors, and associated machinery
• Emergency response procedures for collisions, entrapment, medical incidents, and severe weather events
• Communication protocols between operators, ski patrol, and site management, including use of radios and signalling
• Environmental controls for water use, fuel handling, and spill management in sensitive alpine areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for ski resort operators, snowmaking and grooming crews, winter sports facility managers, plant operators, and site supervisors responsible for winter sports and alpine work activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe working environment in alpine and cold-weather conditions.
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for the safe use of snow groomers, tracked vehicles, pumps, and associated machinery.
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for manual handling of hoses, equipment, and materials in winter sports operations.
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Risk controls for noise exposure from snowmaking and grooming plant.
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Ensuring adequate first aid arrangements for injuries and cold-related illnesses in alpine environments.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017