Product Overview

This Undertaking Arborist Activities SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and monitor risks associated with professional tree work and arboricultural operations, supporting strong WHS compliance. It provides a comprehensive framework for planning, supervising, and documenting multiple aspects of Undertaking Arborist Activities on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and job hazard analysis for arborist works, including site inspections, tree assessments, and work sequencing
• Selection, inspection, and use of chainsaws, pole saws, and pruning equipment for ground and aerial operations
• Safe tree climbing techniques using ropes, harnesses, and fall-arrest systems in accordance with height safety requirements
• Use of elevated work platforms (EWPs) for canopy access, pruning, and removal of branches at height
• Rigging, lowering, and controlled dismantling of limbs and tree sections to prevent uncontrolled falls or impact
• Establishment and management of exclusion zones to protect workers, pedestrians, and traffic from falling objects
• Traffic and pedestrian management when working near roads, driveways, or public access areas
• Manual handling and safe handling of logs, branches, and green waste to minimise sprains, strains, and crush injuries
• Operation of chippers, stump grinders, and other plant used for processing tree and stump material
• Electrical hazard identification and controls when working near overhead or underground powerlines
• Noise, dust, and vibration control measures to protect workers and nearby occupants
• Environmental controls for managing debris, green waste, and protection of surrounding vegetation and property
• Emergency response planning, including aerial rescue, first aid, and incident reporting procedures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree loppers, vegetation management contractors, landscapers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing tree work and associated high-risk activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on working at height during tree climbing and EWP operations
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and other noisy plant
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use, inspection, and maintenance of chainsaws, EWPs, chippers, and stump grinders
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling arborist hazards
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements for tree work and remote or high-risk locations
• AS 2727 Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices: Recommended safe practices for chainsaw operation in arborist activities
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Requirements for harnesses, lanyards, and associated fall-arrest equipment used in tree climbing