Product Overview

Summary: This Wetland Restoration for Landscapers SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely planning and delivering wetland rehabilitation projects while protecting workers, the public, and sensitive ecosystems. It aligns practical landscaping tasks with Australian WHS and environmental requirements, helping businesses complete projects efficiently, compliantly, and with minimal ecological disturbance.

Wetland restoration projects expose landscaping teams to a unique mix of WHS and environmental risks, from unstable saturated ground and waterborne contaminants through to plant handling, machinery use near water, and interaction with native fauna. This SOP translates complex environmental and safety requirements into practical, site-ready instructions for landscapers working in and around natural and constructed wetlands across Australia. It guides users through safe site access, vegetation removal, planting, erosion and sediment control, and the use of machinery and herbicides in sensitive aquatic and riparian zones.

By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation while also meeting common council, state environmental regulator, and client expectations for best-practice ecological restoration. The SOP helps standardise how teams assess hazards, protect workers from slips, trips, bites and stings, and water-related risks, and manage chemical and biological exposures. It also addresses community and stakeholder considerations, ensuring wetland works are conducted safely around the public, adjacent properties, and wildlife. The result is a safer, more consistent, and defensible approach to wetland restoration that supports both worker wellbeing and long-term ecological outcomes.

Key Benefits

• Ensure wetland restoration works are carried out in line with Australian WHS and environmental obligations.
• Reduce incidents related to slips, trips, falls, water immersion, and wildlife encounters in and around wetlands.
• Standardise work methods across crews, improving quality, safety performance, and project predictability.
• Minimise environmental harm through clear controls for erosion, sediment, chemicals, and habitat disturbance.
• Support training and onboarding by providing landscapers with a clear, step-by-step restoration methodology.

Who is this for?

• Landscape Contractors
• Landscape Construction Supervisors
• Environmental and Rehabilitation Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Coordinators
• Project Managers – Civil and Landscaping
• Bush Regeneration Teams
• Local Government Parks and Environment Officers
• Environmental Consultants overseeing landscaping works

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on saturated, uneven or vegetated ground
• Drowning or immersion risks when working near open water, ponds and channels
• Exposure to waterborne pathogens and biological contaminants (e.g. leptospirosis, contaminated runoff)
• Bites and stings from snakes, spiders, mosquitoes, leeches and other fauna
• Sun exposure, heat stress and dehydration in outdoor wetland environments
• Manual handling injuries from lifting plants, rocks, coir logs, matting and equipment
• Use of brushcutters, chainsaws and other powered equipment near water and unstable ground
• Chemical exposure from herbicides, pesticides and fuels used in restoration works
• Contact with sharp vegetation, stakes, wire, and debris hidden in dense foliage or water
• Plant and equipment roll-over or bogging when operating machinery on soft or sloping ground
• Public interface risks where works occur near walking tracks, parks or residential areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Project Context
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers, Environmental Advisors)
• 4.0 Pre-Start Planning and Approvals (WHS, environmental and council requirements)
• 5.0 Site Assessment and Hazard Identification for Wetland Environments
• 6.0 Required Competencies, Induction and Training
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Wetland Restoration
• 8.0 Access, Traffic Management and Public Safety Around Wetland Sites
• 9.0 Safe Work Method – Vegetation Removal and Site Preparation
• 10.0 Safe Work Method – Planting, Mulching and Habitat Installation
• 11.0 Use of Machinery and Powered Tools Near Water and Soft Ground
• 12.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls for Restoration Tasks
• 13.0 Chemical Handling, Mixing and Application (Herbicides, Fuels, Other Chemicals)
• 14.0 Biological and Wildlife Risk Management (Fauna, Insects, Waterborne Pathogens)
• 15.0 Environmental Protection Measures (Erosion, Sediment, Water Quality, Habitat Protection)
• 16.0 Adverse Weather, Flooding and Seasonal Conditions Management
• 17.0 Incident Reporting, Near Misses and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Rescue from Water, First Aid, Wildlife Incidents)
• 19.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Maintenance of Restoration Works
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Review of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• AS/NZS 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS 2210.3: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS/NZS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance (where work at heights is involved)
• Local and state environmental protection legislation and guidelines for works in or near waterways (e.g. NSW Water Management Act, state EPA guidelines)