Towing Trailers SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers towing trailer activities from planning, inspection and coupling through to travel, unloading, uncoupling and close-out. It supports identifying hazards and managing risks associated with loads, connections, manoeuvring, trailer stability and equipment condition.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the towing activity and route
• Establish traffic controls
• Inspect the vehicle and trailer
• Load and restrain the trailer
• Align the vehicle and trailer for coupling
• Connect the towbar, coupling, chains and electrical connections
• Attach recovery equipment where required
• Depart, reverse and tow safely
• Arrive and position the trailer
• Unload, uncouple, secure and inspect the trailer

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses towing trailers.

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 safe plant and systems of work, consult workers, maintain controls and ensure worker competence. The WHS knowledge base identifies vehicles and connected equipment as plant and requires controls to remain fit for purpose, correctly installed and effectively maintained.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks (guidance only; check adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace (guidance only; check adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks (guidance only; check adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction). The Code supports suitable equipment, maintenance, task design and assistance for manual work.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work and Safe Work Australia workplace traffic-management guidance, where towing occurs at a construction workplace. Traffic plans should separate pedestrians and vehicles and avoid reversing where practicable.
• AS 4177 series, Caravan and light trailer towing components; use compatible, rated towing components.
• AS/NZS 2210.3, Personal protective equipment—Safety footwear; AS/NZS 4602.1, High visibility safety garments.
• AS 1742.3, Manual of uniform traffic control devices—Traffic control for works on roads, where temporary traffic control is required.
• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator National Load Restraint Guide and applicable road-transport, registration, mass, dimension and road-rule requirements.

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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