Safe Work Method Statement (All-Terrain Forklift Operation) Template

Purpose of the Safe Work Method Statement (All-Terrain Forklift Operation) Template

Our free Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for All-Terrain Forklift Operation provides a structured template designed to help you identify and control risks associated with operating these specialised vehicles in diverse and challenging environments. All-terrain forklifts are essential plant on many Australian worksites, often in construction, agriculture, or logistics, requiring robust risk management.

This template assists your organisation in documenting a systematic approach to safe work, aligned with Australian WHS practice. It prompts you to consider specific hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures to protect workers and others on site.

Utilising a detailed SWMS is a key component of effective WHS management systems, ensuring that high-risk work activities are planned and executed safely.

How to use the Safe Work Method Statement (All-Terrain Forklift Operation) Template

This downloadable template serves as a foundational document for developing your site-specific Safe Work Method Statement (All-Terrain Forklift Operation). It is crucial to understand that this template must be customised to your workplace's unique conditions, equipment, personnel, and specific tasks. Begin by reviewing the pre-filled sections for common hazards and control measures, then systematically modify and add details relevant to your context.

This includes outlining site-specific conditions, the exact model of forklift, operator qualifications, environmental factors, and relevant emergency procedures. Involve your workers in this process to draw on their experience and ensure the SWMS is practical and effective.

Once completed, the SWMS should be communicated to all relevant workers and reviewed regularly, especially if work processes or conditions change. Remember, a generic SWMS is insufficient; it must reflect your actual work practices to be effective and demonstrate due diligence.

When to use it

This template should be used whenever all-terrain forklifts are operating as part of high-risk construction work, or any other work activity where their use poses significant risks that require formal documentation and control. It is particularly relevant for tasks involving uneven terrain, lifting heavy or awkward loads, working near excavations, or in areas with pedestrian traffic.

Who should use it

This resource is valuable for WHS officers, site managers, supervisors, and business owners responsible for planning, authorising, and overseeing activities involving all-terrain forklifts. Operators of all-terrain forklifts should also familiarise themselves with the content to understand the documented safe work procedures and contribute to its development and review.

For more free WHS resources, explore our free WHS resources library.