Product Overview

This Towing Trailers Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures and control measures to safely connect, operate, and manoeuvre trailers on Australian worksites while maintaining WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of Towing Trailers SWMS, from secure attachment through to safe road travel, loading, and disconnecting.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Attaching tow hooks securely to vehicles and trailers to prevent unintentional disconnection
• Determining the safest and most structurally sound attachment points for towing operations
• Hooking up a tow bar, including alignment of vehicle, trailer coupling, and safety chains
• Safe tow-bar usage procedures, including inspection, maintenance, and correct load ratings
• Selection of appropriate trailer type and towing equipment for the task and load
• Pre-start inspection of trailers, lights, tyres, brakes, safety chains, and breakaway systems
• Calculation and management of trailer load limits, weight distribution, and nose weight
• Securing loads on trailers using tie-downs, restraints, and load-rated anchorage points
• Safe driving techniques while towing, including braking distances, cornering, and reversing
• Managing site traffic, exclusion zones, and spotters when manoeuvring trailers in confined areas
• Controls for working on uneven ground, slopes, and soft surfaces when coupling or uncoupling
• Procedures for emergency situations such as trailer sway, brake failure, or coupling malfunction
• Manual handling risk controls when lifting jockey wheels, tailgates, ramps, and tow attachments

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for trades, contractors, transport operators, construction crews, civil works teams, and site supervisors who regularly tow, load, and manoeuvre trailers as part of their work activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with vehicles, trailers, and towing equipment used as plant.
• Safe Work Australia – Traffic Management in Workplaces (relevant guidance material): Principles for safe movement of vehicles and trailers on worksites.
• Australian Standard AS 4177 (various parts) – Caravan and light trailer towing components: Requirements for tow bars, couplings, safety chains, and associated towing hardware.
• Australian Standard AS/NZS 4380 – Cargo restraint systems: Requirements for the selection and use of webbing tie-downs and load restraint equipment on trailers.
• National Transport Commission – Load Restraint Guide: Best-practice methods for securing loads on road vehicles and trailers.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017