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    Safe Work Method Statements

    Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template

    Download our free Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template. A structured starting point for managing risks in prime mover operations.

    July 9, 20263 min read47 viewsLast reviewed July 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template

    DOCX • 161 KB + PDF

    Updated Sep 2026

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    Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template

    Our Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template provides a structured framework for identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with prime mover operation in your workplace. This resource is designed to assist organisations in developing a systematic approach to ensure the health and safety of workers and others who may be affected by these activities.

    The template serves as a foundational document, guiding you through the critical steps of risk assessment and control implementation specific to prime mover use.

    By utilising this template, you can systematically document potential dangers, outline safe work procedures, and specify the necessary control measures to mitigate risks effectively. It’s an essential tool for demonstrating due diligence and fostering a proactive safety culture within your organisation, aligned with Australian WHS practice.

    Video walkthrough

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

    This Safe Work Method Statement (Prime Mover Operation) Template is provided in an editable DOCX format, allowing for complete customisation to your specific workplace conditions and operational requirements. We cannot stress enough that this is a template; it must be customised to your workplace, specific prime mover models, operational environment, and the tasks being performed.

    Begin by reviewing the pre-filled sections and adapting them to reflect your actual operations. Identify all potential hazards inherent in your prime mover activities, assess the associated risks, and detail the control measures you will implement.

    Include information on who is responsible for each step, the required training, and the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary.

    Regular review and updates are crucial to ensure the SWMS remains relevant and effective. For assistance in tailoring your WHS documentation or implementing a comprehensive WHS management system, consider expert WHS consulting services.

    When to use it

    A Safe Work Method Statement for prime mover operations should be developed before any work involving a prime mover commences, especially if the work is considered high-risk construction work or involves other significant hazards identified in your risk assessments. It is also required whenever there are changes to equipment, work processes, the work environment, or after any incident involving prime mover operation.

    Essentially, any time a prime mover is used in your workplace, an up-to-date and relevant SWMS should be in place.

    Who should use it

    This template is intended for anyone involved in managing safety for prime mover operations. This includes WHS officers, supervisors, team leaders, project managers, and business owners responsible for ensuring a safe working environment.

    Operators of prime movers should also be familiar with the contents of the SWMS specific to their tasks. While the template provides a solid foundation, ensuring its proper implementation and adherence is a collective responsibility.

    Review and Improvement

    Regular review of your Safe Work Method Statements is vital to maintaining an effective WHS system. This includes scheduled reviews, reviews after incidents, or when new information about hazards or control measures becomes available.

    An effective review process ensures that your SWMS continues to reflect current best practices and operational realities. For guidance on systematic reviews and continuous improvement, particularly within the framework of ISO 45001 consulting, Spire Safety can provide expert advice.

    Additional Resources

    For more free safety resources and templates, explore our comprehensive free WHS resources library. These tools are designed to support Australian businesses in upholding high standards of workplace health and safety.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Not customising the template to specific site conditions and equipment.
    • Failing to adequately consult with workers who perform the prime mover tasks.
    • Not regularly reviewing and updating the SWMS after changes or incidents.
    • Treating the SWMS as a 'tick and flick' exercise rather than a live safety document.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

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

    • WHS Act (s19)Primary Duty of Care
    • WHS Act (s47)Worker Consultation
    • WHS Regulations (s34)Identification of Hazards
    • WHS Regulations (s35)Management of Risks to Health and Safety
    • WHS Regulations (s37)Maintenance of Control Measures
    • WHS Regulations (s38)Review of Control Measures
    • WHS Regulations (s39)Information, Training and Instruction
    • WHS Regulations (s55C–55D)Psychosocial Risks and Controls
    • WHS Regulations (s44–45)Provision and Use of PPE
    • WHS Regulations (s57)Hearing Risk Management
    • WHS Regulations (s147)Electrical Risk Management
    • WHS Regulations (s203)Management of Plant Risks
    • WHS Regulations (s351)Hazardous Chemicals
    • WHS Regulations (s299)Safe Work Method Statements
    • WHS Regulations (s297)Construction Work
    • WHS Regulations (s60)Hazardous Manual Tasks

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

    • Code of PracticePlant in the Workplace
    • Code of PracticeConstruction Work

    Did you know

    Road Freight Dominance

    In Australia, road freight accounts for over 75% of domestic freight movements, highlighting the pervasive use of prime movers and the importance of stringent safety protocols.

    Heavy Vehicle Rollovers

    Rollovers are a significant hazard in heavy vehicle operations. Contributing factors often include excessive speed for conditions, improper load distribution, and driver fatigue, underscoring the need for detailed SWMS.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
    A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out the high-risk work activities to be carried out, the hazards arising from these activities, and the measures to be put in place to control the risks. It is a mandatory requirement for certain high-risk work in Australia.
    02Is this Prime Mover Operation SWMS template WHS-aligned?
    This template is a structured starting point based on the model WHS framework. Compliance depends entirely on how it is customised to your specific workplace hazards and controls, and how diligently it is implemented and followed by your workers.
    03Who is responsible for developing an SWMS for prime mover operations?
    The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is ultimately responsible for ensuring an SWMS is prepared. This task is typically delegated to WHS officers, supervisors, or competent workers with knowledge of the specific prime mover operations.
    04How often should a Prime Mover Operation SWMS be reviewed?
    An SWMS should be reviewed whenever there is a change to the work activity, equipment, plant, or work environment; if new hazards are identified; after an incident; or at regularly scheduled intervals, usually annually, to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

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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 Explore Consultancy

    or call 1300 156 382