Trench and excavation SWMS: base template and example

When trench and excavation work needs a SWMS

• Safe Work Australia lists work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or in a tunnel, as high risk construction work. A SWMS must be prepared before that work starts.
• In Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria says you must also notify it at least three days before some excavation work, including trenches deeper than 1.5 metres, shafts deeper than 2 metres and tunnels (with some exemptions).
• Excavation rules vary by state and territory. Queensland has its own Excavation work Code of Practice 2021, Victoria has a compliance code for excavation, and Western Australia is replacing its older excavation code with a new one under its WHS laws. Check your own regulator, and your principal contractor may have extra requirements.

Not sure whether your job needs a SWMS? Read what a SWMS is and when it's required.

Need to record an incident instead? Get the free incident report template.

Controls to think about

• Safe Work Australia's excavation code of practice starts with finding underground services before you dig, for example through Before You Dig Australia, and potholing to confirm where they are.
• For trenches 1.5 metres or deeper, the code describes supporting the sides with benching, battering or shoring, such as a trench shield. These can only be left out on the written advice of a geotechnical engineer.
• Keep spoil, materials and plant out of the zone of influence near the edge, don't run combustion engines in a trench while workers are in it, and plan how you'll rescue someone without sending people into unsupported ground. Your SWMS should show which controls you'll use for each work step.

What to include in a trench and excavation SWMS

• The excavation: how deep, how long, the ground conditions and what's nearby
• How underground services were located and confirmed
• How the trench sides will be supported, and who checks they're safe to enter
• Where spoil and plant will go, and how people and vehicles are kept clear
• Safe access in and out, and protection from falls into the excavation
• What to do if there's a collapse or a service strike, and sign-off from everyone on the job

Filled-in trench and excavation SWMS example

Example only, not for use as your own SWMS. This is the base template filled in for a fictional job: digging a 1.8 metre deep trench and laying a stormwater pipe with an excavator and a trench shield. Click a page to enlarge it.

This example includes risk scores. They aren't legally required, and WorkSafe Victoria advises leaving risk matrices and scores out of a SWMS, so check what your regulator expects. Your own SWMS must be specific to your job and site, and prepared in consultation with the workers doing the work.

How to fill one in for trench and excavation work

1. Fill in the project details, including the depth and length of the excavation.
2. Tick the high risk construction work box for work in or near a trench, shaft or tunnel, plus powered mobile plant if it applies, and every hazard that applies.
3. List your plant and equipment, such as the excavator, trench shield, ladders and service-locating gear.
4. Write the job steps in order, from locating services to backfilling, with the controls for each step and who is responsible.
5. Talk it through with the crew, have everyone sign it before work starts, and review it whenever the job, the ground or the weather changes.

Build your trench and excavation SWMS online, or get it into the app

The Shadow Forms SWMS builder is a tool on our website that guides you step by step through creating a SWMS for your job, including trench and excavation work. It's a draft only, so have a competent person review it before use. Enter your email address and you can download it as a PDF.

The PDF is a copy only. To complete it digitally, upload it and we can add it to the app, Shadow Forms branded. If you have your own uniquely branded SWMS, or want this example adjusted to your business, we can do that too. Upload a form, or get in touch.

Need a JSA instead? Try the free JSA template.

Just need a quick check before you start? Get the free Take 5 template.