Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Company Details

Company Name: Apex Civil Contractors Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901

Project / Job Details

Project Name: Main Street Utility Upgrade Site Address: 100 Main Street, Brisbane QLD Date of Issue: 15 October 2023

High Risk Construction Work (HRCW)

• Excavation work (deeper than 1.5m)
• Work near traffic, mobile plant
• Work near energised electrical installations

Description of Tasks

1. Establish Traffic Control Devices.
2. Locate underground services (Dial Before You Dig).
3. Excavate trench (2m deep) using 1.8t excavator.
4. Install concrete drainage pipe.
5. Backfill and compact trench.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Step / Task	Potential Hazard	Who is at risk?	Risk Rating (Before)
Set up traffic control	Struck by public vehicle	Traffic controllers	H
Excavation	Collapse of trench walls	Excavator operator, ground worker	H
Excavation	Contact with underground power	All site personnel	H
Compaction	Vibration (Whole Body)	Plant operator	M

Risk Control Measures

Task 1: Establish Traffic Control

Hazard: Struck by vehicle

• Engineering: Use of approved water-filled barriers and traffic cones per AS 1742.3. Variable Message Sign (VMS) at approach.
• Administrative: Licensed Traffic Controller implemented. Traffic Management Plan prepared. Traffic controller holds Blue card.
• PPE: High visibility Class N vest, steel cap boots, safety helmet.

Task 2: Excavation

Hazard: Collapse of trench walls

• Elimination: Not possible.
• Engineering: Use of hydraulic trench box (shoring) for depths below 1.5m. Berm or battering where applicable.
• Administrative: Exclusion zone (1m) maintained. Geotechnical report reviewed. Spotter used for plant movement. No workers in trench while machine is moving.
• PPE: As above + hard hat with chin strap.

Task 3: Service Locating

Hazard: Contact with underground power

• Administrative: Plans obtained from Before You Dig Australia. Electronic locating performed by accredited locator. Non-destructive digging (hydro vac) used for potholing to verify depth.
• PPE: Insulated gloves if working near exposed cables.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Mandatory:

• Hi-vis Class N shirt/vest (orange)
• Safety Helmet (white)
• Safety Boots (lace up, steel cap)
• Safety Glasses (clear)

Specific:

• Hearing protection for compactor operator
• High visibility rain jacket if wet weather

Emergency Procedures

• First Aid Kit: Located in site shed / ute.
• Emergency Contact: Site Supervisor John Smith (0412 345 678).
• Nearest Hospital: Royal Brisbane Hospital (600m).
• Gas Strike: Evacate 20m, call 000 and Gas authority.

Training and Competency

All workers hold valid General Construction Induction Cards. Excavator operator holds Verification of Competency. Traffic controllers hold current QLD Traffic Control accreditation.

Sign-Off Section

Name	Signature	Date	Role
John Smith	[Signed]	15/10/23	Site Supervisor
Mark Jones	[Signed]	15/10/23	Excavator Operator
Sarah Lee	[Signed]	15/10/23	Traffic Controller

Principal Contractor Rep: J. Smith