What this SWMS covers
Light vehicle operation on construction sites involves significantly higher risks than normal road driving due to the dynamic nature of construction environments. Light vehicles include cars, vans, utilities (utes), and small trucks with gross vehicle mass under 4.5 tonnes that are used for site access, deliveries, supervision, and general transportation purposes on construction sites. Construction sites present unique hazards including unmarked roads, changing surface conditions, reversing heavy machinery, pedestrians without dedicated pathways, temporary traffic arrangements, limited visibility areas, and complex interactions between multiple vehicle types. The confined nature of many construction sites means vehicles operate in close proximity to workers, excavations, stored materials, and operating equipment. Typical light vehicle operations on construction sites include site inspections by supervisors and engineers, delivery of materials and equipment, transportation of workers, movement between work areas, collection and disposal of waste, and access for emergency services. These activities occur throughout the construction project lifecycle from initial site establishment through to project completion. The dynamic nature of construction work means traffic routes, hazard locations, and site conditions change frequently. What was safe yesterday may present new hazards today due to excavation work, material deliveries, equipment relocation, or changes in work activities. Light vehicle operators must maintain constant awareness and adapt their driving behaviour to match current site conditions. This SWMS applies to all personnel operating light vehicles on construction sites including employees, contractors, subcontractors, visitors, and delivery drivers. It covers operations on all construction site types including building construction, civil works, infrastructure projects, and maintenance activities. The document addresses Australian Work Health and Safety requirements under the WHS Act 2011 and relevant state regulations.
Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.