Low Loader

SWMS · SWMS-10337

11 job steps
Version 7
Transport & Warehousing
Reads on any phone

This Low Loader Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers hazards and controls associated with the movement of plant (referred to as the load) using a low loader transport vehicle.

It covers 11 job steps: planning, working alone, coupling and uncoupling the low loader, vehicle operation, pick up and set down of the load, environment, housekeeping, manual tasks, refuelling, on completion and general emergency response.

It includes controls for mobile plant movement and for work carried out adjacent to roads, railways or shipping lanes and in traffic corridors.

It suits businesses in construction, logistics and any operation that uses a low loader transport vehicle, including safety officers, site supervisors and operators.

Low Loader

SWMSVersion 7

Company doing the work: [Company]
Business contact and phone: —
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work): —
Responsible person's phone: —
Responsible person's signature: —
Date signed: —

Principal Contractor (PC): —
PC Address: —
PC phone: —
Date SWMS provided to PC: —
Job Site Address: —
Part of a construction project: —

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column):

Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
Gas MainsPressurised gas distribution mains or piping
Hazardous Lineschemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
Energised Electricalenergised electrical installations or services
Traffic CorridorsWork carried out adjacent to a road, railway or shipping lane, traffic corridor
Hazardous AtmosphereWork in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Planning and preparation

Planning/Preparation

Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures
Establish supervisory and communication arrangements
Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training/Licence

All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card
Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.
Trained First Aider on site
All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs
Attend all site inductions/briefings
Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)
Only carry out work related to the contract
Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitor/Review

All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences
SWMS to be reviewed and amended if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident
If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit
People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP
Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS
The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS
SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review
Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident
Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Foot Protection
Hearing Protection
High Visibility
Head Protection
Hand Protection
Sun Protection
Seat Belt

Job steps, hazards and controls

Work activity
Planning
- Hazard
  Unplan route; Unpermitted travel
  Before controls4 Acute
  Controls
  - Plan all driving routes as per State requirements for the size of the load
  - Permitted travel routes travel times/curfews as required
  - Ensure travel path will not damage utilities (gas, telecommunication, electrical, water or sewerage systems), or bridges, rail, or other property
  - Ensure drivers/offsiders fully briefed on the day's work requirements
  - In the absence of load-checking and warning devices, ensure operators are trained to recognise acceptable load distributions
  - Special provisions, certifications/permits and SWMS required for oversize loads (check state authority for details)
  - In the absence of load checking and warning devices, ensure operators are trained to recognise acceptable loads.
  After controls2 Moderate
  Responsible
  - Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

Work activity
Working alone
Keep in contact and carry a first aid kit when working alone
Work activity
Coupling/uncoupling the low-loader
Couple and uncouple the truck and trailer and chock the wheels
Work activity
Vehicle operation
Inspect the truck, mount it safely and drive it safely
Work activity
Pick up/set down of load
Arrive on site, then load, secure and unload the plant
Work activity
Environment
Control noise, waste, fuel and other environmental impacts
Work activity
House keeping
Keep the work area clean and clear of trip hazards
Work activity
Manual tasks
Manage fatigue, rest breaks and strain from tie-downs
Work activity
Refuelling
Refuel away from ignition sources with an extinguisher on hand
Work activity
On completion
Park and secure the truck, inspect it and sign out
Work activity
Emergency response
Respond to an injury, fire or roll-over

Permits

Plant and equipment

Hazardous substances

Supervisory arrangements

SWMS Sign-off

This SWMS developed in consultation and cooperation with workers and relevant organisation representatives. I have read the above SWMS, and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification, to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS, including risk control measures, safe work instructions, and PPE described.

Worker’s name	Job role / positione.g. supervisor, worker, trainee	Licences, competencies & qualificationsType / descriptionClassNumber	Date	Signature
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)

Hierarchy of controls

Risk matrix

Step 1: Determine likelihood

Likelihood	Criteria	Description

Step 2: Determine consequence

Level of effect	Example of each level

Step 3: Determine the risk score

Likelihood ↑	InsignificantNo effect, or so minor that the effect is acceptable	MinorMinor first aid treatment, minimal business disruption, minimal environmental effect	ModerateSerious injuries, medium business interruption, medium environmental impact	MajorExtensive injuries or fatality, significant business interruption, environmental harm, prosecution	CatastrophicMultiple permanent disabilities or fatalities, business failure, substantial environmental harm, prosecution or imprisonment
	Consequence →
Almost certainExpected in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
LikelyWill probably occur in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
PossibleCould possibly occur at some time	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
UnlikelyUnlikely but possible	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
RareHighly unlikely to occur	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High

1 LowRecord and monitor. Proceed with work, and review the risks regularly.
2 ModerateMaintain control measures. Be cautious when working, and monitor and review regularly.
3 HighReview before commencing work. Introduce new controls or maintain high-level controls to lower the risk level, and monitor the controls frequently.
4 AcuteDo not proceed until the risk level is reduced. Immediately introduce high-level controls, and re-assess before proceeding.

Step 4: Record risk

10 more job steps, from Working alone to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

Try the editor free Get this template

How it reads in a browser

Get this template

Sign up free, then choose how you'd like it. Your company details fill in for you.

Included in paid plans
Use template credits from your plan. This one costs 1.
Compare plans and prices
Buy it once
$89.95 paid once, and it's yours to keep. Works on the free plan too.

Try the editor free Sign up free

No card needed to sign up. Early access members get 30% off any plan.

What it covers

11 job steps

PlanningPlan and permit the route for the load and brief the drivers
Working aloneKeep in contact and carry a first aid kit when working alone
Coupling/uncoupling the low-loaderCouple and uncouple the truck and trailer and chock the wheels
Vehicle operationInspect the truck, mount it safely and drive it safely
Pick up/set down of loadArrive on site, then load, secure and unload the plant
EnvironmentControl noise, waste, fuel and other environmental impacts
House keepingKeep the work area clean and clear of trip hazards
Manual tasksManage fatigue, rest breaks and strain from tie-downs
RefuellingRefuel away from ignition sources with an extinguisher on hand
On completionPark and secure the truck, inspect it and sign out
Emergency responseRespond to an injury, fire or roll-over

Low Loader

Site management plan

High-risk construction work