Semi-truck Trailer

SWMS · SWMS-10432

11 job steps
Version 4
Transport & Warehousing
Reads on any phone

This Semi-truck Trailer Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the hazards and controls of operating semi-trucks and trailers.

It covers 11 job steps, from planning for oversize loads, working alone and coupling and uncoupling trailers to arriving on site, loading and unloading, the environment, housekeeping, manual tasks, travel between sites, refuelling, completion and emergency response.

It includes controls for overhead power lines, struck-by-vehicle and pedestrian hazards, loss of load, driver fatigue and seating posture, fire and fuel contact, and silica dust in the cabin.

It suits businesses and workers in logistics, construction and any operation that uses semi-trucks and trailers.

Semi-truck Trailer

SWMSVersion 4

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
Hazardous AtmosphereWork in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Traffic CorridorsWork carried out adjacent to a road, railway or shipping lane, traffic corridor

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.

Monitoring and 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
High Visibility
Seat Belt

Job steps, hazards and controls

Work activity
Planning
- Hazard
  Unpermitted works
  Before controls4 Acute
  Controls
  - Special provisions, certifications/permits will be required for oversize loads (check state authority for details).
  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 use a buddy when working alone.
Work activity
Coupling/uncoupling trailers
Couple and uncouple trailers without crush or entrapment injuries.
Work activity
Arrival on-site, loading/unloading
Position the truck and load or unload materials safely on site.
Work activity
Environment
Control the noise, air, fuel and chemical, waterway and wildlife impacts of the vehicle.
Work activity
House keeping
Keep the work area clean and clear to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Work activity
Manual tasks
Manage fatigue, seating posture and manual handling when driving and securing loads.
Work activity
Travel to/from/between sites
Inspect the vehicle and travel safely between sites.
Work activity
Refuelling
Refuel the truck without fire or fuel contact.
Work activity
On completion
Shut down and secure the truck, then sign out of the site.
Work activity
Emergency response
Call emergency services and respond to an injury or incident.

Overall risk rating after controls

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)
		General construction induction (White Card)

Hierarchy of controls

Risk matrix

Likelihood	Criteria	Description

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.

10 more job steps, from Working alone to Emergency response

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

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What it covers

11 job steps

PlanningArrange the permits and special provisions for oversize loads.
Working aloneKeep in contact and use a buddy when working alone.
Coupling/uncoupling trailersCouple and uncouple trailers without crush or entrapment injuries.
Arrival on-site, loading/unloadingPosition the truck and load or unload materials safely on site.
EnvironmentControl the noise, air, fuel and chemical, waterway and wildlife impacts of the vehicle.
House keepingKeep the work area clean and clear to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Manual tasksManage fatigue, seating posture and manual handling when driving and securing loads.
Travel to/from/between sitesInspect the vehicle and travel safely between sites.
RefuellingRefuel the truck without fire or fuel contact.
On completionShut down and secure the truck, then sign out of the site.
Emergency responseCall emergency services and respond to an injury or incident.

Semi-truck Trailer

Site Management Plan

High-risk construction work