Skid-Steer Loader Operations SWMS
Skid-steer loader operations across construction, landscaping, demolition and agricultural use — attachment change, confined-yard work, pedestrian exclusion, tip-over and run-away prevention.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Skid-steer loader operations cover compact loader use across construction, landscaping, demolition and agricultural sites — including attachment changeover, working in confined yards, pedestrian exclusion zones, and prevention of tip-over, run-over and runaway events. Under the model WHS Regulations 2025 Chapter 4 Part 4.5 (Plant), PCBUs must manage risks from powered mobile plant, and section 299 requires a SWMS before any high-risk construction work involving powered mobile plant commences.
Hazards identified
12 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Crush injury or fatality from limited rear visibility and tight turning radius.
Operator ejection or crushing if seatbelt and ROPS not used correctly.
Hand or torso crush injury from unsecured quick-hitch or unsupported attachment.
Uncontrolled movement causing collision or operator injury when park brake fails or is not applied.
Fatal crushing if lift-arm support device is not engaged.
Electrocution, gas release or service strike causing serious injury.
Struck-by injury to operator or nearby workers from unstable or overloaded carriage.
High-pressure pinhole leak penetrating skin during coupling or hose inspection.
Permanent hearing loss from prolonged cab and external noise exposure.
Respiratory disease including silicosis from disturbing soils, concrete or demolition material.
Lower-back and musculoskeletal injury from extended operation on rough terrain.
Ignition of diesel or contact with hot components during shutdown servicing.
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Operators hold High Risk Work or VOC competency for the specific make/model and complete daily pre-start inspection logged in plant diary.
- 2Establish 3-metre exclusion zone using barriers, spotters or two-way radio; never operate near pedestrians without traffic management plan.
- 3Always lower lift arms, engage park brake, neutralise controls and engage lift-arm safety strut before exiting or servicing.
- 4Wear seatbelt at all times; ROPS/FOPS cab must be certified and undamaged per AS 2294.
- 5Confirm attachment quick-hitch is fully locked with visual pin engagement check before lifting any load.
- 6Conduct underground service locate (Dial Before You Dig) and maintain no-go zones from overhead powerlines per AS/NZS 4576.
- 7Refuel only with engine off and cooled; no smoking or ignition sources within 3 metres of fuel transfer.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Sets duties for powered mobile plant including risk control, operator competency, guarding and inspection requirements.
Provides practical guidance on plant risk assessment, isolation, maintenance and operator protections applicable to skid-steers.
Specifies rollover and falling-object protective structure requirements for skid-steer cabs.
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Skid-steer loaders are powered mobile plant; any construction work involving their use triggers HRCW Category 13 under Regulation 291.
A compliant SWMS must be prepared, available on site and complied with before work starts; failure attracts penalties up to $14,400 (individual) under Regulation 300.
Who this is for
- →Civil and construction contractors operating compact loaders on commercial sites
- →Landscaping, demolition and earthworks businesses using skid-steers with multiple attachments
- →Agricultural and rural contractors using skid-steers for yard, shed and feedlot work
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS ready to brand and customise to your site
- ✓State-specific legislation schedule covering all Australian jurisdictions
- ✓Hazard register aligned to the SWMS controls
- ✓Worker sign-on register for site induction and consultation records
Worked example
A Brisbane landscaping crew uses this SWMS for a residential block clearance with a Bobcat S70 fitted with bucket and four-in-one attachments. The supervisor briefs the operator and labourer on the 3-metre exclusion zone, confirms the lift-arm strut is fitted, and runs a Dial Before You Dig check for the rear easement. Attachment changes occur on level ground with the engine off. The signed SWMS and pre-start log satisfy the principal contractor's HRCW documentation audit.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (model)
- Model WHS Regulations 2025 — Chapter 4 Part 4.5 Plant
- Model WHS Regulations 2025 — Regulation 299 (SWMS for HRCW)
- AS 2294 Earth-moving machinery — Protective structures
- AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding and mobile plant near powerlines