Shoring Box SWMS

Product Description

Shoring Box SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian civil construction, plumbing and excavation contractors using trench boxes to support excavation work. Supplied in editable Microsoft Word format, this document helps businesses plan, communicate and document safe work procedures while supporting project-specific customisation before work begins.

Excavation work involving trenches deeper than 1.5 metres presents significant risks, including trench collapse, interaction with powered mobile plant, underground service strikes and lifting operations. The safe use of a shoring box is essential to protecting workers during excavation and underground service installation. This SWMS provides a structured framework covering the complete work sequence from planning and excavation permits through trench preparation, shoring box installation, excavation, removal and final site reinstatement.

Suitable for civil infrastructure, plumbing, drainage and utility projects, this document assists contractors in implementing practical risk controls while maintaining consistent WHS documentation for high-risk excavation work.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• Trench excavation.
• Installation of shoring boxes.
• Underground service installation.
• Civil construction.
• Plumbing and drainage works.
• Utility infrastructure.
• Excavation support.
• Deep trench works.
• Residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.

Work Activities Covered

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

• Site preparation and hazard identification.
• Site inductions and pre-start meetings.
• Establishing exclusion zones and signage.
• Excavation permits and Dial Before You Dig enquiries.
• Underground service identification.
• Assembly of the shoring box.
• Excavation to suit trench box installation.
• Lifting and lowering the shoring box into the excavation.
• Working around excavators and powered mobile plant.
• Progressive backfilling and removal of the shoring box.
• Housekeeping and site reinstatement.

Hazards Addressed

This SWMS addresses hazards commonly associated with shoring box operations, including:

• Trench collapse.
• Falls into excavations.
• Underground service strikes.
• Powered mobile plant interaction.
• Suspended loads.
• Crush and impact injuries.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Pinch points during assembly.
• Heat and weather exposure.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Property and environmental damage.

Control Measures Included

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

• Completing excavation permits and Dial Before You Dig enquiries before excavation.
• Identifying underground services and using non-destructive excavation methods where required.
• Conducting daily pre-start meetings and communicating excavation hazards.
• Establishing exclusion zones, barricades and signage around excavation work.
• Assembling the shoring box in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Using mechanical lifting equipment and safe manual handling techniques during assembly.
• Inspecting lifting chains and slings before use and confirming current inspection and tagging.
• Maintaining safe distances between excavators and trench edges during lifting operations.
• Using spotters and positive communication during plant movements and lifting activities.
• Progressively backfilling and compacting the excavation while removing the shoring box.

Plant & Equipment

Depending on the selected work method, plant and equipment may include:

• Excavator.
• Shoring box (trench box).
• Lifting chains and slings.
• Hand tools.

Personal Protective Equipment

The documented activity references PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Gloves.
• Hearing protection.
• Sun protection.

Document Features

• Fully editable Microsoft Word format.
• Suitable for Australian civil construction and excavation projects.
• Logical work sequence from planning through completion.
• Hazard identification and practical control measures.
• Worker responsibilities and competency requirements.
• Easy to customise for individual projects and site conditions.
• Suitable for integration into broader WHS management systems.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Civil construction contractors.
• Excavation contractors.
• Plumbing contractors.
• Drainage contractors.
• Utility contractors.
• Principal contractors managing excavation works.

Australian WHS Requirements

Shoring box operations should be reviewed before work commences to ensure the SWMS reflects the planned excavation methods, trench dimensions, underground services, lifting arrangements, plant movements and project-specific hazards. Additional controls may be required depending on excavation depth, soil conditions and the selected trench support system.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance develops professionally written SWMS templates that are practical, easy to customise and suitable for Australian construction businesses. Delivered in editable Microsoft Word format, our documents help streamline project preparation while supporting consistent WHS management for excavation, trench support and underground infrastructure works.