Earthworks & Demolition SWMS Templates

Not always. Under WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 3, excavation becomes HRCW when the trench or shaft is deeper than 1.5 metres (Category 6), when work is in or near a shaft or tunnel, or when powered mobile plant is used (Category 13). Shallow hand excavation outside these triggers is not HRCW, but a SWMS is still strongly recommended and the Excavation Work Code of Practice applies. Most commercial earthworks will hit at least one HRCW trigger.

Yes, for certain demolition. WHS Regulation 2025 requires written notification to the WHS regulator at least 5 days before demolition of any structure or part that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure, and for structures at least 6 metres in height. The Demolition Work Code of Practice details the notification content. Notification thresholds vary slightly between jurisdictions, so confirm with your state regulator before lodging.

A SWMS addresses the HRCW activity-level hazards, controls and PPE for workers performing specific tasks. A demolition plan, required under AS 2601-2001 and the Demolition Work Code of Practice, is a project-wide document covering structural surveys, sequencing, hoarding, public protection and waste streams. Both are mandatory for load-bearing demolition — the SWMS sits underneath the demolition plan and translates it into worker-level controls signed off by the crew.

Yes. These SWMS are written against the harmonised model WHS Regulation 2025 adopted by NSW, Queensland, ACT, NT, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, and reference the Safe Work Australia model Codes of Practice. Victoria operates under OHS Regulations 2017 but the HRCW concept and SWMS content map directly across. Each template includes a jurisdiction sign-off block and references the applicable state regulator notification thresholds for demolition and excavation.

Best practice is one SWMS per plant type and task combination — for example, a dedicated SWMS for excavator trenching, another for excavator demolition with a hammer attachment, and another for dozer push. WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 3 Category 13 makes powered mobile plant HRCW, requiring task-specific controls for visibility, spotters, exclusion zones and ground conditions. Generic 'all plant' SWMS rarely satisfy regulator inspection because they cannot address the unique kinematics of each machine.