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    Safe Work Method Statements

    Safe Work Method Statement (Padfoot Roller Operation) Template

    Streamline your WHS planning with our free Safe Work Method Statement (Padfoot Roller Operation) template. A structured starting point for Australian workplaces

    July 9, 2026026 viewsLast reviewed July 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Safe Work Method Statement (Padfoot Roller Operation) Template

    DOCX • 160 KB + PDF

    Updated Sep 2026

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

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

    Our Safe Work Method Statement (Padfoot Roller Operation) template provides a structured starting point for identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with using padfoot rollers in a workplace. This essential document, often referred to as an SWMS, helps organisations plan and implement safe work practices, ensuring the well-being of workers and others who may be affected by these operations.

    By systematically outlining the steps involved, potential hazards, and required control measures, this template assists in meeting obligations under the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework.

    Using a well-developed SWMS is crucial for high-risk construction activities or any task involving plant like a padfoot roller. This free resource from Spire Safety is designed to assist businesses in developing site-specific documents that promote a safe work environment.

    Video walkthrough

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

    This Safe Work Method Statement (Padfoot Roller Operation) template is a comprehensive foundation to build upon. To effectively implement it in your workplace, you must customise it to reflect your specific site conditions, equipment, personnel, and task variations. Start by downloading the DOCX version for easy editing, or use the PDF for a quick review.

    • Identify Specifics: Detail the exact type of padfoot roller being used, its attachments, and the specific work environment (e.g., soil type, slope, proximity to other plant or workers).

    • Hazard Review: Thoroughly review the pre-filled hazards and add any other hazards unique to your operation. Consider environmental factors, ground conditions, operator competency, and maintenance status of the plant.

    • Control Measures: Implement appropriate control measures for each identified hazard. This may involve engineering controls (e.g., roll-over protective structures), administrative controls (e.g., exclusion zones, communication plans), or personal protective equipment (PPE).

    • Consultation: Engage with your workers and their representatives in the development and review of this SWMS. Their practical input is invaluable for identifying hazards and devising effective controls.

    • Training and Instruction: Ensure all workers involved in padfoot roller operation are adequately trained and instructed on the SWMS content and safe operating procedures.

    • Regular Review: This SWMS should be reviewed regularly, especially if there are changes to the work process, equipment, site conditions, or after any incidents or near misses. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of effective WHS management systems.

    When to use it

    This template should be used before commencing any operation involving a padfoot roller, particularly when the activity is classified as high-risk construction work or involves other risks requiring formal documentation. It serves as a critical planning tool for supervisors, operators, and WHS personnel to ensure all safety considerations are addressed proactively.

    Use it during project planning, before new tasks, or when introducing new equipment or personnel to maintain a consistent approach to safety across your operations.

    Who should use it

    This resource is ideal for WHS officers, site managers, project supervisors, small business owners, and anyone responsible for planning or overseeing padfoot roller operations in Australian workplaces. Plant operators themselves should also review and understand its contents prior to commencing work.

    Organisations seeking to improve their WHS documentation and demonstrate due diligence will find this template highly beneficial. For tailored support in implementing or auditing your WHS documentation, consider WHS compliance auditing.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Failing to customise the SWMS for specific site conditions and equipment.
    • Not consulting with workers during the development or review of the SWMS.
    • Failing to review and update the SWMS after incidents, near misses, or changes to the work.
    • Treating the SWMS as a sign-off formality rather than a dynamic risk management 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 (s60)Hazardous Manual Tasks
    • WHS Regulations (s147)Electrical Risk Management
    • WHS Regulations (s203)Management of Plant Risks
    • WHS Regulations (s351)Hazardous Chemicals
    • WHS Regulations (s297)Construction Work
    • WHS Regulations (s299)Safe Work Method Statements

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

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

    Did you know

    Padfoot Rollers vs. Smooth Drum Rollers

    Padfoot rollers, with their 'feet' or 'pads', are designed for compacting cohesive soils like clay, as they knead and mix the soil to achieve denser compaction. Smooth drum rollers, conversely, are best suited for granular soils such as sand and gravel, or for finishing asphalt surfaces.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
    An 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 control the risks, along with how those control measures will be implemented and monitored.
    02Is an SWMS legally required for all work with a padfoot roller?
    An SWMS is legally required for 'high-risk construction work', which often includes tasks involving plant like padfoot rollers, depending on the specific context and associated risks. Even if not legally mandated for a specific task, it's best practice for managing risks.
    03How often should an SWMS for padfoot roller operation be reviewed?
    An SWMS should be reviewed whenever there are changes to the work, equipment, site, or personnel, or after an incident. Good practice also suggests regular periodic reviews, such as annually, to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
    04Can this template be used outside Australia?
    While the principles of hazard identification and risk control are universal, this template is specifically aligned with the Australian WHS framework. Users outside Australia should review and adapt it to their local regulations and standards.

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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