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    Safe Work Method Statements

    Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template

    Download your free Smooth Drum Roller Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) template. A structured starting point for Australian WHS compliance.

    July 9, 20262 min read55 viewsLast reviewed July 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template

    DOCX • 161 KB + PDF

    Updated Sep 2026

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    Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template

    Operating a smooth drum roller involves distinct hazards that require careful management to ensure worker safety. This Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template provides a structured framework for identifying potential risks and establishing control measures during smooth drum roller use on your worksite.

    It outlines essential steps for safe operation, from pre-start checks to managing site-specific conditions and personnel. This template assists organisations in demonstrating their commitment to WHS principles and provides a clear guide for workers.

    Video walkthrough

    How to use the Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template

    This free WHS resource is provided in an editable DOCX format for your convenience. To effectively use this Safe Work Method Statement (Smooth Drum Roller Operation) Template, download the file and adapt it to the specific context of your workplace, the smooth drum roller being used, and the particular site conditions.

    It is crucial to remember that this template must be customised to your workplace, specific plant, and site activities to be effective and reflective of your actual WHS practices. Review all sections, insert your company details, identify specific hazards present on your site, detail current control measures, and outline emergency procedures. Engage with your workers during this customisation process to ensure all site-specific risks are captured and controls are practical.

    When to use it

    A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for smooth drum roller operations is essential before any construction or high-risk construction work involving smooth drum rollers commences. This includes tasks such as compacting sub-bases, roads, asphalt, or any activity where the roller is used.

    It should be reviewed and updated whenever there are changes to the work environment, the equipment, or the personnel involved, or following any incident or near-miss. Regular reviews ensure that the SWMS remains relevant and effective in managing risks over time, a key component of effective WHS management systems.

    Who should use it

    This template is designed for WHS officers, site supervisors, project managers, and anyone responsible for planning or overseeing smooth drum roller operations in Australia. Operators and workers involved with smooth drum rollers should also be familiar with the contents of the completed SWMS.

    It serves as a vital tool for ensuring that all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe work environment.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Not customising the template to specific site conditions and plant.
    • Failing to review and update the SWMS when work tasks change or after incidents.
    • Not consulting with workers who will be performing the tasks described in the SWMS.
    • Treating the SWMS as a static document rather than a living safety tool.

    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 (s203)Management of Plant Risks
    • WHS Regulations (s147)Electrical Risk Management
    • WHS Regulations (s299)Safe Work Method Statements
    • WHS Regulations (s297)Construction Work

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

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

    Did you know

    Roller compactors

    Roller compactors are also commonly known as road rollers or simply 'rollers'. They are heavy plant machinery used to compact soil, gravel, concrete, or asphalt in the construction of roads and foundations.

    Roller types

    Beyond smooth drum rollers, there are various other types of rollers, including padfoot/sheep's foot rollers, pneumatic tyred rollers, and vibratory rollers, each designed for specific compaction tasks and soil types.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for smooth drum roller operation?
    A SWMS for smooth drum roller operation is a document that identifies high-risk construction work tasks involving smooth drum rollers, outlines the hazards arising from these tasks, and describes the measures to control the risks. It details how the control measures will be implemented and monitored.
    02Is a SWMS legally required for smooth drum roller operation in Australia?
    Yes, if the operation of a smooth drum roller falls under 'high-risk construction work' as defined by Australian WHS regulations (e.g., work near a trench exceeding 1.5m, work on or near energised electrical installations etc.), then a SWMS is legally required before work commences.
    03How often should a Smooth Drum Roller SWMS be reviewed?
    A Smooth Drum Roller SWMS should be reviewed whenever there is a change to the work, equipment, or site conditions, if an incident occurs, or at regular intervals to ensure it remains effective in controlling risks. This ensures ongoing safety and compliance.
    04What kind of hazards does this SWMS template address for smooth drum rollers?
    This template aims to help address common hazards like plant overturns, crushing injuries, contact with services, noise exposure, vibration, and working on unstable ground. The user must customise it to identify and control all specific hazards present at their worksite.

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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