SWMS guide · updated November 2026

SWMS for trenching & excavation

A safe work method statement is required before work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel — that's one of the 18 categories of high risk construction work. Here's what it needs to cover and the hazards to plan for.

Key hazards and example controls

Hazard	Risk	Example controls
Trench wall collapse	Burial, crush injury, death	Shoring, benching or battering per engineer/competent person. Keep spoil and plant back from the edge. Inspect trench daily and after rain. Safe access/egress ladder within reach.
Contact with underground services	Electrocution, gas release	Before You Dig Australia enquiry. Locate and mark services. Hand/vacuum excavate near services.

Example controls are a starting point only — tailor them to your site, your plant and the way you'll actually do the job.

Often combined with

Plumbers · Concreters · Excavation & civil · Landscapers

What your SWMS has to cover

• Which high risk construction work the job involves.
• The hazards and the risks to health and safety from them.
• The control measures, and how they'll be implemented, monitored and reviewed — e.g. who installs and who checks the edge protection.
• It should be specific to the site and available to the workers and supervisors doing the job.
• If work isn't being done in line with the SWMS, it must stop (immediately or as soon as it's safe).
• Review and revise it whenever the control measures change.

Based on Safe Work Australia, SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Queensland guidance. Victoria applies its own OHS Regulations — check WorkSafe Victoria.

Common questions

Do I need a SWMS for trenching & excavation?

Yes, if the job involves work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel. That is listed as high risk construction work, and a SWMS must be prepared before the work starts.

Can I use a generic SWMS?

A SWMS should be specific to the site and the way the work will actually be done. A template is a useful starting point, but tailor the hazards, controls, people and emergency details to each job.

Who prepares the SWMS?

The business (PCBU) carrying out the high risk construction work, in consultation with the workers who will do it.