Manual Handling SWMS

Product Description

Manual Handling SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian construction businesses undertaking manual lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and moving of materials, equipment and tools. Supplied in editable Microsoft Word format, this document helps businesses establish safe manual handling procedures, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and support site-specific WHS compliance across a wide range of construction and maintenance activities.

Manual handling is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in the construction industry. Everyday tasks such as lifting materials, carrying equipment, repositioning loads and moving awkward items can result in strains, sprains and crush injuries if not properly planned. This SWMS provides a structured framework for assessing lifting tasks, selecting appropriate handling methods and implementing practical control measures that promote safer work practices.

Suitable for residential, commercial, civil and industrial projects, the document supports consistent safety documentation by guiding workers through the complete manual handling process—from assessing the load and planning the lift through to using correct lifting techniques and completing the task safely.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• Lifting construction materials.
• Carrying tools and equipment.
• Moving plumbing materials.
• Loading and unloading vehicles.
• Pushing and pulling loads.
• Team lifting operations.
• Material handling during construction and maintenance.
• General workplace manual handling activities.

Work Activities Covered

Depending on the selected work method, the SWMS may include:

• Assessing the load before lifting.
• Planning the travel path.
• Selecting appropriate lifting methods.
• Determining when mechanical lifting equipment is required.
• Single-person lifting.
• Team lifting.
• Pushing and pulling loads.
• Securing loads before movement.
• Using correct lifting techniques.
• Completing manual handling tasks safely.

Hazards Addressed

This SWMS addresses hazards commonly associated with manual handling activities, including:

• Back sprains and muscular strains.
• Shoulder, arm and leg injuries.
• Push and pull injuries.
• Musculoskeletal disorders.
• Crush and impact injuries.
• Injuries from unsecured loads.
• Poor lifting posture.
• Awkward body positions.
• Twisting and repetitive movements.
• Property damage caused by shifting loads.

Control Measures Included

The document assists businesses by documenting practical control measures such as:

• Assessing the load, travel path and work area before lifting.
• Determining whether a single-person lift, team lift or mechanical lifting aid is appropriate.
• Using trolleys, wheelbarrows and other suitable mechanical aids where practicable.
• Confirming loads are stable and secure before movement.
• Maintaining clear communication during team lifting operations.
• Keeping loads close to the body and maintaining a neutral spine.
• Lifting with the legs rather than the back.
• Avoiding twisting, jerking and awkward postures.
• Planning team lifts and allocating a person to coordinate the lift.
• Using lifting equipment with appropriate Safe Working Load (SWL) identification where required.

Plant & Equipment

Depending on the selected work method, equipment may include:

• Trolleys.
• Wheelbarrows.
• Mechanical lifting devices.
• Lifting bars.
• Material handling equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE requirements should be selected to suit the specific task and site conditions. Additional project-specific PPE may be required depending on the materials being handled and workplace environment.

Document Features

• Fully editable Microsoft Word format.
• Suitable for Australian construction, maintenance and industrial workplaces.
• Logical work sequence from lift assessment through task completion.
• Hazard identification and practical control measures.
• Worker responsibilities and manual handling guidance.
• Easy to customise for individual projects and site conditions.
• Suitable for integration into broader WHS management systems.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Construction contractors.
• Plumbing contractors.
• Electrical contractors.
• Civil contractors.
• Maintenance businesses.
• Principal contractors.
• Any business undertaking routine manual handling activities.

Australian WHS Requirements

Manual handling tasks should be assessed before work begins to ensure lifting methods, load weights, travel paths and available mechanical aids are appropriate for the activity. This SWMS should be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific materials, workplace conditions and project requirements.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance develops professionally written SWMS templates that are practical, easy to customise and suitable for Australian workplaces. Delivered in editable Microsoft Word format, our documents help businesses prepare professional WHS documentation while promoting safer manual handling practices across construction, maintenance and industrial activities.