Product Overview

This Telehandler Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards and implement practical controls for the safe use of telescopic handlers on Australian worksites, supporting strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Telehandler operations, from planning and set-up through to lifting, moving and placing loads in a variety of site conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and risk assessment for the safe use of telescopic handlers on construction and industrial sites
• Selection of appropriate telehandler type, attachments and rated capacity for the task
• Pre-start inspections, maintenance checks and isolation of defective telehandlers
• Safe operation of telescopic handlers, including smooth use of boom, steering and travel controls
• Stability management, including use of outriggers, load charts and working on slopes or uneven ground
• Lifting, travelling with and placing loads using forks, jibs, buckets and other attachments
• Working in proximity to people, plant, structures, overhead powerlines and underground services
• Traffic management, exclusion zones and spotter use to separate pedestrians and mobile plant
• Mounting and dismounting the telehandler, maintaining three points of contact and preventing falls
• Managing environmental conditions such as high winds, poor visibility, rain and dusty environments
• Emergency procedures for tip-over, load drop, collision, mechanical failure and uncontrolled movement
• Communication methods, including use of hand signals, radios and site-specific communication protocols
• Competency, licensing and supervision requirements for telehandler operators and doggers/riggers

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for telehandler operators, construction and civil contractors, warehousing and logistics operations, agricultural and mining businesses, and site supervisors responsible for managing mobile plant risks.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including mobile plant and lifting operations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – requirements for the safe use, inspection and maintenance of plant such as telescopic handlers
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – risk management framework applied to telehandler operations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – controls for accessing and working from telehandlers and elevated positions
• Model Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces – separation of pedestrians and vehicles, and safe telehandler movement on site
• AS 2550.19 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Telescopic handlers – guidance on safe operation, inspection and maintenance of telehandlers
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches (relevant parts) – general requirements for lifting operations and load handling
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of machinery (relevant parts) – principles for guarding and safe control systems on plant
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017