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    Safe Work Method Statement (Excavator Operation) Template

    Download our free Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) template for excavator operation, aligned with Australian WHS practices. Get your copy today!

    July 9, 20263 min read162 viewsLast reviewed July 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Safe Work Method Statement (Excavator Operation) Template

    DOCX • 161 KB + PDF

    Updated Oct 2026

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    Safe Work Method Statement (Excavator Operation) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Safe Work Method Statement (Excavator Operation) Template

    This free WHS resource provides a structured Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) template specifically designed for excavator operation. A SWMS is a critical planning document that outlines high-risk construction work activities, the hazards involved, and the control measures to be implemented to manage those hazards.

    This template helps organisations and workers systematically identify, assess, and control risks associated with operating excavators on site, contributing to a safer work environment.

    Using a pre-formatted template like this can streamline your WHS planning processes, ensuring key safety considerations for excavator work are addressed. It is based on the model WHS framework and is a valuable starting point for developing site-specific safety documentation.

    Video walkthrough

    How to use the Safe Work Method Statement (Excavator Operation) Template

    Our Safe Work Method Statement (Excavator Operation) Template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the content to your specific operational needs and site conditions.

    It includes sections for detailing the scope of work, personnel responsibilities, risk assessments for various stages of excavator operation, and control measures. Please note: This template must be customised to your workplace, specific tasks, and risk profile. It is a guide and does not replace the requirement for a thorough, site-specific risk assessment and SWMS development led by competent persons.

    We recommend involving all relevant workers, including the excavator operators themselves, in the customisation process. This ensures the SWMS accurately reflects the work as it will be performed and promotes a strong safety culture.

    Developing your SWMS

    A well-developed SWMS should clearly describe:

    • The specific high-risk construction work being carried out.
    • The hazards associated with that work.
    • The risks arising from those hazards.
    • The control measures to be put in place to manage the risks.
    • How the control measures will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
    • The person responsible for implementing and monitoring each control measure.

    For complex projects or if you require assistance in developing comprehensive WHS management systems including SWMS, consider engaging WHS consulting experts.

    When to use it

    This template should be used before any high-risk construction work involving excavators commences. It is essential for planning and documenting the safe execution of tasks such as digging, trenching, loading, and material handling using an excavator.

    A SWMS must be reviewed and updated if there are changes to the work environment, equipment, or work procedures, or if new risks are identified.

    Who should use it

    This template is ideal for:

    • Construction companies and contractors.
    • Site supervisors and project managers.
    • WHS officers and safety managers.
    • Excavator operators and work teams, as part of their pre-work planning and review.
    • Anyone responsible for planning and overseeing high-risk construction work involving excavators.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Not involving workers who carry out the high-risk work in the SWMS development.
    • Using a generic SWMS without customising it to site-specific conditions and tasks.
    • Failing to review and update the SWMS when work conditions change or new risks emerge.
    • Not ensuring all workers understand and have access to the SWMS before starting work.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

    The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
    • Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.

    The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
    • Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
    • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.

    Did you know

    Excavator Incident Data

    Excavators are involved in a significant number of incidents on construction sites each year, ranging from rollovers and collisions to trench collapses, highlighting the importance of robust safety planning.

    Model WHS Laws

    All Australian states and territories (except Victoria) have adopted the model WHS laws, which include specific requirements for Safe Work Method Statements for high-risk construction work.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
    A SWMS is a written document that sets out the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out, the hazards arising from these activities, and the measures to be implemented to control the risks.
    02Is a SWMS legally required for all work involving excavators?
    A SWMS is specifically required for high-risk construction work. While not all excavator tasks fall under 'high-risk construction work', many do, such as excavation work or work near traffic. It's best practice to develop one for most excavator operations.
    03How often should a SWMS for excavator operation be reviewed?
    A SWMS must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised whenever the work changes, new risks are identified, or after an incident to ensure it remains effective and current.
    04Can I use this template without any customisation?
    No. This template is a starting point. You must customise it to reflect your specific site conditions, equipment, personnel, and task-specific hazards and control measures to ensure it is effective and legally sound for your operations.

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    How To Use It

    1. 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
    2. 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
    3. 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
    Get a document review

    Need it customised?

    Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.

    Book a Free Consultation WHS consulting services

    or call 1300 156 382

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