Earthworks & Ground Penetration SWMS | HRWC | Queensland Compliant

Product Description

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) has been developed for excavation and trenching works undertaken on residential and light civil construction sites across Queensland.

The document is structured to assist builders, principal contractors, supervisors, and earthworks contractors in meeting their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) for high-risk construction work involving ground penetration and excavation.

Who This SWMS Is For

This SWMS is suitable for use by:

• Excavation and earthworks contractors
• Builders and Principal Contractors
• Site Supervisors and Project Managers
• Civil and residential construction subcontractors
• Operators of mobile plant involved in excavation works

It is particularly relevant where:

• Excavation or trenching exceeds regulatory thresholds
• There is a risk of ground collapse or engulfment
• Underground services may be present
• Mobile plant and workers operate in close proximity
• Public or neighbouring properties may be affected

Scope of Works Covered

This SWMS addresses excavation and trenching activities including:

• Excavation and trenching for footings, foundations, and services
• Ground penetration and earthworks
• Interaction between mobile plant and workers
• Underground services identification and protection
• Trench collapse, ground stability, and edge loading risks
• Access and egress into excavations
• Water ingress and environmental conditions
• Public interface and site security

The document is suitable for both residential and light civil works, where excavation risks are a primary hazard.

What’s Included

• Hazard identification and control measures for excavation work
• Trenching and ground collapse risk controls
• Underground services and service strike prevention
• Mobile plant interaction controls
• Access, egress, and edge protection requirements
• Environmental controls including runoff and sediment
• Emergency procedures and response actions
• Training, competency, and consultation requirements
• Review and monitoring triggers
• Supervisor / PCBU authorisation sign-off
• Site access and SWMS acknowledgement registers

Delivered as a professional, audit-ready PDF.

Important Compliance Notice

This SWMS is provided as a base compliance template only.

It must be reviewed, amended, and approved to reflect:

• The specific site conditions
• The depth, length, and type of excavation
• Soil conditions and environmental factors
• The sequencing of works and plant movements

This document does not replace the duties of a PCBU, Principal Contractor, or Site Supervisor under Queensland WHS legislation.

Delivery

• Instant digital download (PDF)
• AUD pricing
• Suitable for excavation and trenching works across Queensland

Need Site-Specific Review or Advice?

If you require a site-specific excavation risk assessment, tailored SWMS documentation, or compliance support for excavation works, professional advisory services are available through SWMS QLD.