Product Overview

This Stump Grinder Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for stump grinding operations on Australian worksites. It provides comprehensive coverage of machine operation, environmental management, manual handling, and clean-up activities associated with stump grinding to support WHS compliance and the safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Act of stump grinding, including pre-start checks, safe positioning, and controlled operation of stump grinding machinery
• Tree stump grinding in residential, commercial, and civil construction environments
• Grinding stumps on uneven or sloping terrain, including stabilisation of machinery and operator footing
• Ensuring grinding depth is controlled to remain below minimum root spread while protecting underground services and adjacent structures
• Managing and containing flying debris from stump grinding to protect workers, the public, nearby property, and vehicles
• Abiding by ethical and environmental considerations for stump grinding, including habitat protection and noise and dust minimisation
• Avoiding excessive use of stump grinding chemicals and implementing safer alternatives where practicable
• Safe handling, removal, and disposal of stump grindings and wood chips to reduce trip hazards and environmental impact
• Hauling away grinding chips, mulch, and waste material using appropriate plant, vehicles, and manual handling techniques
• Removal and clean-up of tree roots post-grinding, including reinstatement of ground surfaces and site tidiness
• Removing stumps manually where machinery access is limited, including use of hand tools and correct body mechanics
• Identification and protection of underground services (water, gas, power, communications) prior to stump grinding operations
• Noise, vibration, and dust control measures to minimise impact on workers, neighbours, and the environment
• Traffic and pedestrian management around stump grinding work zones, including barricades and exclusion zones
• Emergency response procedures for equipment failure, personal injury, and contact with underground services

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree services contractors, landscapers, civil and construction contractors, and site supervisors responsible for planning and overseeing stump grinding activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for stump grinding work
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Requirements for controlling noise exposure from stump grinders and associated plant
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for manual removal of stumps, handling of grindings, and use of hand tools
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use, guarding, maintenance, and inspection of stump grinding machinery
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Considerations for underground services and ground disturbance during deep stump and root removal
• AS/NZS 4024 (Safety of Machinery series) – Principles for machinery safety, guarding, and emergency stop functions relevant to stump grinders
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Requirements where electrically powered stump grinders or tools are used
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017