Quick answer: Landscapers in Australia have WHS obligations as PCBUs, and those performing construction-related activities must also meet high risk construction work (HRCW) requirements. Key requirements include SWMS for hazardous activities, a hazardous chemicals register if you use herbicides or other chemicals, and a suite of WHS documents covering plant, workers, and contractors. This page pulls together the essential resources, guides, and SWMS templates that landscaping businesses need.
Last reviewed: 12 June 2026
Running a landscaping business in Australia means managing a wide range of work health and safety risks on every job. From operating mini loaders and chainsaws to applying herbicides and constructing retaining walls, landscapers work across a mix of hazardous environments that require careful planning and documented risk controls.
Whether you are a sole trader doing residential garden work or a company managing large commercial landscaping and civil construction projects, WHS compliance is a legal requirement — and the consequences of getting it wrong can include serious injuries, significant fines, and prosecution.
This page is a practical resource hub for landscaping businesses. It links to guides, checklists, SWMS templates, and WHS document resources relevant to landscaping work in Australia. Use it as a starting point to understand your obligations and find the tools you need.
Note: WHS laws in Australia are based on the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011, but each state and territory has its own legislation and regulator. Always check the requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.
WHS obligations for landscapers
Landscapers carry WHS obligations in several capacities depending on the nature of the work and their role on a project. Understanding which duties apply to you is the first step to compliance.
Duty as a PCBU
Any landscaper carrying on a business — sole trader, partnership, or company — is a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) under Australian WHS legislation. As a PCBU, a landscaper must ensure the health and safety of:
- their own workers (employees, apprentices, and labour hire)
- subcontractors and their workers engaged on a job
- other people affected by the work, including clients, members of the public, and neighbours
The PCBU duty is to eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable, or if that is not possible, to minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable.
Construction work and HRCW obligations
A significant portion of landscaping work meets the legal definition of construction work under the WHS Regulations. This includes retaining wall construction, earthworks, excavation, drainage, and civil landscaping. Where a landscaping activity falls within a high risk construction work (HRCW) category, a SWMS must be prepared before that work commences.
HRCW categories commonly triggered in landscaping include:
- Work involving excavation deeper than 1.5 metres
- Work at a height of more than 2 metres
- Work on or near traffic corridors
- Work in or near a confined space
- Work near live underground or overhead services
Even where a landscaping activity does not technically trigger an HRCW category, best practice — and most client, council, and insurer requirements — will expect a documented risk assessment or SWMS to be in place.
Managing hazardous chemicals
Landscapers who use herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers, or other agrochemicals are required to manage hazardous chemicals in accordance with the WHS Regulations and the relevant Australian standards. This includes:
- Maintaining a hazardous chemicals register for all chemicals used on site
- Ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are accessible to workers
- Providing adequate training in the safe handling, application, and storage of chemicals
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during mixing and application
- Following withholding periods, application rates, and environmental controls on the product label
For more detail, see the Hazardous Chemicals SWMS Guide.
Key hazards in landscaping
Landscaping work involves a combination of physical, chemical, and environmental hazards that must be actively managed. The most significant WHS risks in the industry include the following.
Machinery and mobile plant
Mini loaders, skid steers, excavators, chainsaws, brush cutters, and handheld power tools are all common on landscaping sites. Machinery and plant are among the leading causes of serious injury in outdoor trades. Risks include crush injuries, entanglement, struck-by incidents, and vibration-related conditions from prolonged tool use. Every piece of powered plant should have documented pre-start checks, operator competency records, and a corresponding SWMS before use.
Hazardous chemicals and herbicides
Herbicides and agrochemicals are routinely used in landscaping for weed control, soil preparation, and pest management. Many products are classified as hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations. Risks include skin and eye irritation, respiratory exposure during spraying, and longer-term health effects from repeated exposure. Operators applying scheduled or restricted-use chemicals may also require specific licences or training depending on their state or territory.
Manual handling
Landscaping is physically demanding work. Lifting and carrying heavy materials — including retaining wall blocks, paving materials, potted plants, soil, and mulch — places significant strain on the back, shoulders, and joints. Manual handling injuries are consistently one of the most common causes of lost-time injuries in landscaping. SWMS and risk controls for manual handling should address the weight of loads, frequency of tasks, posture, and the availability of mechanical aids. See the Manual Handling Guide for more information.
Retaining wall construction and excavation
Constructing retaining walls and carrying out site excavation are among the most hazardous activities a landscaper performs. Risks include ground collapse, contact with underground services (gas, electrical, water, communications), falling materials, and overloading of adjacent structures. Excavation deeper than 1.5 metres is HRCW, and retaining wall construction may also trigger HRCW obligations depending on the height and method of construction.
UV radiation and heat
Landscapers spend most of their working day outdoors, often in direct sunlight. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia, and outdoor workers are among the most at-risk groups. Heat stress and heat exhaustion are also serious risks during warmer months. WHS controls should include a sun protection policy, scheduled rest breaks in shade or indoors, access to hydration, and monitoring workers during extreme heat conditions.
SWMS requirements for landscapers
When does a landscaper need a SWMS?
A SWMS is required before commencing any HRCW activity. Beyond the formal HRCW requirement, SWMS are also best practice for any other hazardous activity a landscaper regularly performs — including chainsaw operation, herbicide application, and working with mobile plant — where the risks are significant enough to warrant a documented procedure.
A SWMS must:
- Identify the specific activity being performed
- List the hazards associated with that activity
- Set out the risk controls that will be implemented
- Be reviewed with workers before work commences
- Be available on site throughout the activity
- Be reviewed and updated when work methods, site conditions, or equipment change
For more information on SWMS for landscaping businesses, see the Landscaping SWMS Guide.
Common SWMS for landscapers
The table below lists the SWMS most commonly needed in landscaping, with the typical situations in which they apply.
| SWMS | When needed |
|---|---|
| Landscaping Activities SWMS | General landscaping operations including garden construction, planting, mulching, and site preparation |
| Landscape Construction and Hardscaping SWMS | Paving, edging, concrete work, garden bed construction, and structural hardscape elements |
| Retaining Wall Construction SWMS | Construction of retaining walls including excavation, block laying, drainage, and backfilling |
| Chainsaw SWMS | Tree and shrub removal, log cutting, and any work involving a chainsaw |
| Mini Loader SWMS | Operating a mini loader or skid steer for earthmoving, material transport, and site preparation |
| Handheld Landscaping Power Tools SWMS | Brush cutters, hedge trimmers, angle grinders, and other handheld powered equipment |
| Agrochemicals and Weed Control SWMS | Herbicide and pesticide application, mixing and handling of agrochemicals, weed and pest control programs |
| Manual Handling SWMS | Heavy or repetitive manual tasks including lifting retaining wall blocks, paving materials, soil, and plants |
WHS documents a landscaping business needs
Beyond SWMS, a landscaping business needs a broader set of WHS documents to support compliant and well-managed operations. The table below outlines the core documents, their purpose, and when they are required.
| Document | Purpose | When required |
|---|---|---|
| WHS Policy | Demonstrates leadership commitment to health and safety; sets out responsibilities | Any business with workers; broadly expected by clients and councils |
| SWMS | Identifies hazardous activities and risk controls | Before commencing HRCW or other high-hazard activities |
| Hazardous Chemicals Register | Lists all chemicals used on site with SDS references | Any business using chemicals classified as hazardous under WHS Regulations |
| Safety Data Sheets (SDS) | Detailed hazard and first aid information for each chemical product | Accessible to workers wherever chemicals are used or stored |
| Site Induction Records | Evidence that workers have received site-specific safety information | Before any worker accesses a new site |
| Hazard / Risk Register | Documents identified hazards, risk ratings, and controls | Maintained and updated throughout each project |
| Incident Register | Records incidents, near misses, and injuries | Ongoing; notifiable incidents must be reported to the regulator |
| Plant and Equipment Register | Tracks plant, inspection status, and operator competencies | Maintained for all powered plant and equipment |
| Training Register | Records qualifications, licences, and training for each worker | Ongoing; chemical use, chainsaw operation, and plant may require specific licences |
| Contractor / Subcontractor Register | Documents subcontractors engaged, their insurances, and WHS compliance | Maintained for all subcontractors |
| Emergency Plan | Sets out emergency response procedures | Required for all workplaces |
For a full guide to the WHS documents a landscaping business needs, see WHS Documents for Landscaping Businesses.
Job site checklist for landscapers
The following checklist covers the WHS documents and controls that should be in place on most landscaping jobs.
Before work commences:
- SWMS prepared for all hazardous activities to be performed on the job
- SWMS reviewed with all workers and sign-off obtained
- Site hazards assessed — underground services, overhead lines, uneven ground, public access
- Plant and equipment pre-start checks completed and recorded
- Chemicals to be used identified; SDS current and accessible on site
- PPE allocated and serviceable for the tasks being performed
- Emergency procedures communicated to all workers
Ongoing throughout the job:
- Workers reminded of SWMS controls at each pre-start
- Hazards updated as site conditions change
- Incidents and near misses recorded promptly
- Chemical application records maintained (quantities, areas treated, product details)
- Plant inspections kept current
- SWMS updated if work methods, conditions, or equipment change
At job completion:
- All WHS records retained for the minimum required period
- Incident register reviewed; any outstanding matters resolved
- Chemical waste disposed of in accordance with label instructions and local regulations
Managing subcontractors and working with other trades
Landscaping projects often involve working alongside other trades — concreters, electricians, irrigation specialists, and tree surgeons. Where a landscaping business is the principal contractor or is coordinating the activities of other trades on a site, they share WHS responsibility for those activities.
Practical steps for managing subcontractor WHS on landscaping sites:
- Before engagement: Request SWMS, public liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance from every subcontractor before they start.
- Before work commences: Review each subcontractor's SWMS to confirm it addresses the actual tasks they will perform on your site and reflects real site conditions.
- At pre-start: Confirm that subcontractor workers have read and understood their SWMS.
- During the work: Monitor that work is being performed in accordance with the SWMS. If conditions change, stop the relevant work and update the SWMS before continuing.
- Record keeping: Retain copies of subcontractor SWMS, insurance certificates, and induction records for the duration of the project.
Useful guides for landscapers
The following guides cover the WHS topics most relevant to landscaping businesses.
- Landscaping SWMS Guide — How SWMS apply to landscaping activities and when they are required
- WHS Documents for Landscaping Businesses — Full guide to WHS documents for landscaping operators
- Chainsaw SWMS Guide — SWMS requirements for chainsaw operation in landscaping and arboriculture
- Hazardous Chemicals SWMS Guide — SWMS and documentation requirements for herbicide and agrochemical use
- Manual Handling Guide — Risk controls for manual handling tasks in landscaping and outdoor trades
SWMS templates for landscapers
Blue Safe Online provides SWMS templates for the landscaping activities most commonly required by residential and commercial clients, councils, and insurers. Templates are professionally prepared, editable, and ready to customise to your specific job conditions and work methods.
Browse the full range of landscaping SWMS at Blue Safe Online.
Frequently asked questions
What WHS documents does a landscaping business need?
A landscaping business typically needs a WHS policy, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high risk construction work and other hazardous activities, site induction records, a hazard/risk register, incident register, plant and equipment register, training register, contractor/subcontractor register, an emergency plan, and a hazardous chemicals register if herbicides or other chemicals are used on site. The exact documents required depend on the size of your business, the types of work you perform, and whether you are engaged as the principal contractor on a project.
Is landscaping considered construction work for WHS purposes?
Many landscaping activities are classified as construction work under Australian WHS legislation, including retaining wall construction, earthworks, excavation, and civil landscaping. Where these activities trigger high risk construction work (HRCW) categories — for example, excavation deeper than 1.5 metres or work at a height of more than 2 metres — a SWMS must be prepared before work commences. Even where an activity does not meet the technical definition of construction work, landscapers still have WHS obligations as a PCBU to manage risks to workers and others.
Do landscapers need a SWMS for chainsaw work?
Yes. Chainsaw work is a hazardous activity that requires a SWMS. While chainsaw operation does not always fall within the formal HRCW categories, the risks involved — including severe laceration, kickback, falling timber, and vibration — mean that a documented risk assessment and method statement are considered best practice and are expected by most clients, councils, and insurers. A SWMS for chainsaw work should identify hazards specific to the task, including the size and species of material being cut, proximity to structures and people, and the condition of the equipment.
What are the main WHS hazards in landscaping?
The main WHS hazards in landscaping include: machinery and mobile plant (mini loaders, excavators, chainsaws, handheld power tools); hazardous chemicals and herbicides (agrochemicals, fertilisers, soil treatments); manual handling injuries from lifting, digging, and carrying heavy materials; excavation and retaining wall construction (risks of ground collapse, buried services, and falling materials); UV radiation and heat exposure from outdoor work; and uneven or unstable terrain. Effective SWMS and risk management procedures are essential for controlling these hazards on every job.
Get your WHS documents sorted
Blue Safe Online provides SWMS templates and WHS management systems for Australian landscaping businesses. Whether you are setting up your business for the first time, taking on a larger commercial project, or updating outdated documents, Blue Safe Online gives you access to professionally prepared, ready-to-customise WHS documents for the landscaping industry.
Browse SWMS and WHS documents for landscapers on Blue Safe Online
This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. WHS requirements may vary by state or territory, project type, contract conditions, and your role on site. Consult the relevant WHS regulator or a qualified WHS professional for advice specific to your circumstances.