Product Overview

This Trencher Tractor Type Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a site-ready safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for operating tractor-mounted and pedestrian trenchers. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that consolidates multiple trenching activities to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe operation of tractor-mounted chain trenchers for excavation of service trenches and footings
• Selection, inspection, and setup of chain trencher attachments on compatible tractors or prime movers
• Operation of pedestrian-type trenchers in confined or restricted work areas
• Establishing exclusion zones around operating trenchers to protect workers and the public
• Ground assessment and identification of unstable, sloping, or soft terrain before trenching
• Locating and protecting underground services (dial before you dig, service plans, and potholing)
• Controls for noise, vibration, dust, and flying debris generated during trenching activities
• Manual handling and ergonomic controls for moving, positioning, and adjusting pedestrian trenchers
• Safe approach distances to overhead and underground electrical services when trenching
• Traffic and pedestrian management when trenching near roads, driveways, or access ways
• Working in and around open trenches, including edge protection and prevention of collapse
• Pre-start checks, routine maintenance, and lock-out/tag-out procedures for trencher plant
• Emergency response procedures for plant contact with services, equipment failure, or worker injury

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil contractors, plumbing and electrical contractors, landscaping and irrigation installers, hire companies, and site supervisors responsible for managing trencher tractor and pedestrian-type trenching operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Guidance on planning, shoring, benching, and safe systems of work for trenches and excavations.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for safe use, guarding, maintenance, and operator competence for trenchers and tractors.
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – General WHS duties and controls for construction-related trenching activities.
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noise exposure from powered trenching equipment.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on minimising musculoskeletal risks when handling, positioning, or maintaining trenchers.
• AS 1657: Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design and use of access ways around plant where applicable.
• AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules): Electrical installations – Considerations when trenching near underground electrical services.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017