SWMS template · Excavation & Earthworks
Skid Steer Loader Operations — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for operating skid steer and compact track loaders, covering interlock checks, safe entry and exit, attachment changes, slopes, working around people, auger and broom attachments, enclosed areas and lift arm maintenance.
- Category
- Excavation & Earthworks
- HRCW
- 1 category
- Job steps
- 8
- Hazards rated
- 18
- PPE items
- 7
Skid steer loaders and compact track loaders are used for site clean-up, moving spoil and materials, levelling, landscaping, augering and sweeping. They are small, quick and turn on the spot, which is exactly why they hurt people. Operating one on a construction site is High Risk Construction Work because it is powered mobile plant moving near workers, and it often also involves augering or trenching near buried services. A SWMS is required before work starts.
The defining hazard on a skid steer is the lift arms. Operators have been killed when they leaned out of the cab or climbed out with the arms raised, and the arms came down on them, and mechanics have been killed working under raised arms that were not propped. The controls are interlocked with the seat bar or seat belt so the arms and drive cannot move when the operator is out of position. Those interlocks must be tested every shift and never bypassed. Before anyone works under raised arms, the manufacturer's lift arm support device must be fitted.
Rollover is the next big risk. A skid steer has a short wheelbase and the centre of gravity moves forward a long way when the bucket is loaded and raised. Keep the heavy end of the machine uphill: with a loaded bucket, drive forwards up a slope and reverse down; with an empty bucket, reverse up and drive forwards down. Visibility to the rear and sides is poor, so pedestrians must be kept out of the operating area. Diesel exhaust in basements, sheds and other enclosed areas can build up carbon monoxide quickly, and sweeping concrete or soil dry raises silica dust.
There is no national high risk work licence for skid steer loaders, but operators must be trained and competent on the machine and each attachment they use. Many principal contractors want a statement of attainment or verification of competency. If you fit pallet forks or use the machine for lifting, check with your state or territory regulator whether any other licence or requirements apply, and check the manufacturer's rated operating capacity for that attachment.
Customise this template with the machine make, model and rated operating capacity, wheeled or tracked, the attachments in use, the slopes and ground conditions on site, plant and pedestrian separation, any enclosed work areas and how they are ventilated, the BYDA reference for augering or trenching, and the operator's competency evidence.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
Personal Protective Equipment
- Hard hat (whenever outside the cab)
- High-visibility clothing
- Steel-capped safety boots
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- P2 respirator (fit tested) for sweeping, dusty work or open cabs
- Rigger's gloves for attachment changes
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Pre-start inspection and interlock test
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat bar or seat belt interlock not working, allowing arms or drive to move unexpectedly | Catastrophic | Test the interlocks at the start of every shift as the manufacturer describes: with the seat bar raised or the operator out of position, the lift, tilt and drive functions must not operate. Tag out and do not use the machine if any interlock fails. Never bypass, tie down or disconnect an interlock. | Low | Operator |
| Defects in hoses, tyres or tracks, coupler, guards or cab | High | Complete the daily pre-start checklist: hoses and fittings, tyres or tracks, coupler locking pins, lights, travel alarm, rear window, side screens, rollover and falling object protection, and fluid levels. Confirm the lift arm support device is on the machine. Record the check and report defects. | Low | Operator |
Step 2Getting in and out of the cab
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed between the lift arms and the frame when entering, exiting or leaning out | Catastrophic | Get in or out only with the lift arms fully lowered, the attachment flat on the ground, the park brake on and the engine off. Use the steps and grab handles the manufacturer provides. Never reach, lean or climb out of the cab while the engine is running or the arms are raised. Never operate the controls from outside the cab. | Low | Operator |
| Slip or fall climbing in or out | Moderate | Keep three points of contact. Keep steps and the attachment surface clean of mud. Do not jump down. | Low | Operator |
Step 3Changing attachments
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attachment comes off the coupler during use | High | Engage the coupler locking levers or hydraulic pins fully and visually confirm the pins are through the attachment plate on both sides. Test by tilting the attachment against the ground before use. | Low | Operator |
| Hydraulic oil spray or crush injury when connecting auxiliary hoses | Moderate | Lower the attachment to the ground, shut down and relieve auxiliary hydraulic pressure before connecting or disconnecting hoses. Keep hands clear of the attachment while it is being positioned. | Low | Operator |
Step 4Operating on slopes and uneven ground
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rollover or tip-over on a slope | High | Keep the heavy end uphill: with a loaded bucket drive forwards up and reverse down; with an empty bucket reverse up and drive forwards down. Travel with the bucket as low as possible. Do not turn on slopes or travel across them. Stay within the manufacturer's slope limits and rated operating capacity. Seat belt and seat bar on at all times. | Moderate | Operator |
| Machine slides into an excavation or over a retaining wall edge | High | Keep back from excavation and wall edges by the distance set by the supervisor or excavation plan. Use wheel stops or bunds where the machine tips spoil near an edge. | Low | Operator / Supervisor |
Step 5Moving material, loading trucks and working around people
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrians struck or run over in blind spots | High | Exclusion zone around the operating area with barriers or bunting. Pedestrians stay out unless the operator has stopped, lowered the attachment and signalled them in. Use a spotter in congested areas. Working travel alarm and lights. No passengers, ever. | Moderate | Operator / Supervisor |
| Person under or near a raised bucket | Catastrophic | Nobody stands or walks under a raised bucket or attachment. Lower the attachment before anyone approaches the machine. | Low | Operator / All Workers |
| Load spilling from a raised bucket when loading trucks | Moderate | Check the truck body height is within the machine's dump height before loading. Do not overfill the bucket. Approach the truck square and slowly with the bucket low, raising only when close. | Low | Operator |
Step 6Using auger, trencher and broom attachments
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entanglement with a rotating auger or trencher chain | Catastrophic | Ground workers stay clear of the rotating auger or chain. Stop rotation and lower the attachment to the ground before anyone approaches. Never clear spoil from a rotating auger by hand or with a shovel. | Low | Operator |
| Auger or trencher strikes buried services | Catastrophic | Get BYDA plans and mark services before augering or trenching. Expose services by hand or vacuum excavation within the zone set by the asset owner. Stop and notify the asset owner if a service is struck. | Moderate | Supervisor / Operator |
| Silica dust from sweeping concrete, soil or road base | High | Use water spray on the broom attachment or wet the surface before sweeping. Enclosed cab with door closed where fitted. Workers nearby in P2 respirators that have been fit tested if dust is visible. | Low | Operator / Supervisor |
Step 7Working in basements, sheds and other enclosed areas
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide build-up from diesel exhaust | High | Use the machine indoors only with forced ventilation or with an electric or low-emission machine where available. Monitor carbon monoxide with a gas detector in poorly ventilated areas. Limit engine run time and shut down when not working. Stop work if anyone has headache, dizziness or nausea. | Low | Supervisor / Operator |
| Striking columns, services or structure in tight spaces | Moderate | Check headroom and clearances before entering. Use a spotter in tight areas. Protect columns and low services where the machine works close by. | Low | Operator / Spotter |
Step 8Maintenance, greasing and shutdown
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lift arms drop on a person working under them | Catastrophic | Never work under raised arms unless the manufacturer's lift arm support device is fitted and locked, the engine is off and the key removed. Follow the manufacturer's procedure for raising arms onto the support device. Do not rely on hydraulics or improvised props. | Low | Operator / Fitter |
| Machine moving when parked | Moderate | Park on level ground with the attachment flat on the ground, park brake on, engine off and key removed. | Low | Operator |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.
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