Safe Work Method Statement

Site Mobilisation Safe Work Method Statement

Comprehensive Australian WHS Compliant SWMS
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Site mobilisation represents the critical first phase of any construction project, establishing the physical infrastructure, equipment, personnel, and safety systems required for successful project delivery. This complex process involves coordinating multiple activities including delivery and positioning of heavy plant and equipment, construction of temporary facilities such as site offices and amenities, installation of security fencing and access control systems, connection of temporary utilities including power and water, establishment of material storage and laydown areas, and implementation of environmental controls. The mobilisation phase sets the foundation for all subsequent construction activities, making comprehensive safety planning essential to prevent incidents during this high-activity period when multiple contractors and deliveries converge on site simultaneously.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Site mobilisation represents the critical first phase of any construction project, establishing the physical infrastructure, equipment, personnel, and safety systems required for successful project delivery. This complex process involves coordinating multiple activities including delivery and positioning of heavy plant and equipment, construction of temporary facilities such as site offices and amenities, installation of security fencing and access control systems, connection of temporary utilities including power and water, establishment of material storage and laydown areas, and implementation of environmental controls. The mobilisation phase sets the foundation for all subsequent construction activities, making comprehensive safety planning essential to prevent incidents during this high-activity period when multiple contractors and deliveries converge on site simultaneously. Site mobilisation encompasses all activities required to transition a vacant or greenfield site into a fully functional construction workplace capable of supporting project operations. This includes physical works such as site clearing and leveling, access road construction, installation of security perimeters, erection of temporary buildings and facilities, delivery and commissioning of major plant items, establishment of material storage areas with appropriate segregation and containment, installation of temporary electrical distribution and lighting systems, connection of water supply and sewerage services, implementation of stormwater and erosion control measures, and deployment of safety equipment including first aid facilities and emergency assembly points. The mobilisation process varies significantly depending on project type, duration, location, and complexity. Small residential developments may require only basic site establishment including perimeter fencing, material delivery, and connection to existing services over 1-2 days. Large infrastructure projects may involve extensive mobilisation periods of several weeks including construction of site access roads capable of supporting heavy haulage vehicles, installation of substantial temporary facilities including multi-level site offices, amenities buildings, warehouses and workshops, deployment of tower cranes and other major plant requiring engineered foundations, establishment of concrete batching plants or asphalt production facilities, and construction of temporary bridges or haul roads to access remote work areas.

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Why this SWMS matters

Site mobilisation involves multiple high-risk construction activities that trigger mandatory SWMS requirements under Schedule 3 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011. These include excavation work deeper than 1.5 metres for service connections or foundations, electrical work on temporary power installations, work at height during facility erection and plant assembly, work involving cranes and hoists for equipment placement, and work on or near existing underground services during utility connections. The simultaneous occurrence of these high-risk activities during mobilisation creates compound risks that demand comprehensive safety planning and coordination. Incidents during site mobilisation have significant project implications beyond immediate worker injuries. Fatal incidents during mobilisation can result in project suspension pending investigation, with regulatory prohibition notices preventing any site activities until safety improvements are implemented. The reputational damage from early-stage incidents affects client relationships, future tender opportunities, and community perceptions that may persist throughout the project lifecycle. Insurance implications including increased premiums or coverage restrictions can impact project viability, while litigation from injured workers or their families creates substantial financial and emotional burdens on organisations. From a regulatory compliance perspective, mobilisation activities are highly visible to authorities and surrounding communities, with increased scrutiny during this establishment phase. Early regulatory inspections often focus on mobilisation activities including verification that SWMS are in place for high-risk work, checking that site facilities meet minimum standards for worker amenities, confirming environmental controls are operational before bulk earthworks commence, and ensuring traffic management systems are adequate for heavy vehicle movements.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Site Mobilisation Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Heavy Vehicle Movements and Mobile Plant Collisions

high

Site mobilisation involves intensive heavy vehicle traffic including delivery trucks, low-loaders transporting plant and equipment, concrete trucks, fuel tankers, and internal mobile plant movements. These movements occur on incomplete or temporary access roads, in congested areas with limited space for maneuvering, and with multiple activities occurring simultaneously. Reversing operations present particular risks where visibility is limited and pedestrian traffic is high. Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, between mobile plant items, or between vehicles and temporary structures can occur when traffic management is inadequate, communication systems are not established, or drivers are unfamiliar with site conditions. The congested nature of mobilisation creates situations where workers on foot must navigate around vehicle movements, increasing collision risks. Inadequate hardstand areas can cause vehicles to become bogged or tip over when accessing soft ground, while narrow access gates or routes create pinch points where vehicles must maneuver in close proximity to workers and structures.

Consequence: Fatal crushing injuries to pedestrians or vehicle occupants, serious impact injuries, damage to delivered plant and equipment, damage to temporary facilities and existing structures, and project delays while incidents are investigated and damaged equipment replaced.

Manual Handling During Equipment and Material Unloading

medium

Mobilisation requires unloading and positioning of substantial quantities of equipment and materials including site office furniture, amenities fittings, safety equipment, tools, small plant items, fencing materials, signage, and consumables. Workers perform manual handling in awkward positions when unloading trucks, on uneven ground surfaces, and under time pressure to complete deliveries efficiently. Repeated lifting and carrying of materials over extended periods during mobilisation creates cumulative loading on musculoskeletal systems. Team lifting of bulky or heavy items requires coordination that may be lacking when workers are unfamiliar with each other during early mobilisation phases. Inadequate mechanical handling equipment during mobilisation means workers may resort to manual methods for tasks that should be mechanically assisted. Unsuitable storage of delivered materials can necessitate double handling, increasing manual handling exposure unnecessarily.

Consequence: Acute back injuries from sudden heavy lifts or awkward postures, chronic musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive manual handling, soft tissue injuries including strains and sprains, crush injuries from dropped loads, and reduced workforce availability when injuries occur during critical mobilisation period.

Electrical Hazards During Temporary Power Installation

high

Establishing temporary electrical systems involves connecting to utility supply points, installing distribution boards and sub-mains cabling, deploying portable generators, and establishing lighting systems. These electrical works present electrocution risks when performed by unqualified persons, when connections are made to energised systems without proper isolation, or when temporary installations are inadequately protected from mechanical damage and weather exposure. Temporary power systems during mobilisation may not have the same level of protection as permanent installations, with increased risks of earth faults, overloading, and cable damage from construction activities. Portable electrical equipment used during mobilisation may not be tested and tagged, creating shock risks to users. Working in wet conditions during mobilisation increases electrical shock risks, particularly when connecting outdoor power supplies or operating equipment in rain or on wet ground. Generator installations create carbon monoxide poisoning risks if generators are positioned in poorly ventilated areas or near air intakes for site facilities.

Consequence: Fatal electrocution from contact with energised conductors, serious burns from electrical arcs, carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly positioned generators, fire from electrical faults in temporary installations, and project delays from power system failures requiring rectification.

Falls from Height During Facility Erection and Plant Assembly

high

Mobilisation involves working at height during erection of temporary facilities including multi-level site offices and amenities buildings, installation of lighting towers and security systems, assembly of tower cranes and large plant items, and installation of overhead services and signage. These activities occur before permanent fall protection systems are in place, requiring use of temporary systems including scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms, or ladder access. Workers may be pressured to work without proper fall protection due to time constraints or limited availability of access equipment during early mobilisation. Assembly of tall plant items such as tower cranes involves working at significant heights on structures that may not be fully stable until assembly is complete. Installation of security fencing and gates may require workers to work from ladders or improvised platforms to install overhead components. The temporary nature of work during mobilisation can lead to inadequate planning for fall protection, with workers making do with available equipment rather than obtaining proper access systems.

Consequence: Fatal injuries from falls exceeding 2 metres during facility erection or plant assembly, serious fractures and head injuries from lower falls, project delays while fall incidents are investigated, and regulatory interventions including improvement or prohibition notices requiring fall protection systems.

Excavation for Service Connections and Facility Foundations

high

Site mobilisation requires excavation for connection to existing underground services including water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications, excavation for equipment foundations and hardstand areas, and trenching for installation of temporary underground services. These excavations create risks of trench collapse burying workers, particularly when excavations exceed 1.5 metres depth without proper shoring or battering. Service connection excavations often occur in uncertain ground conditions before detailed geotechnical investigations are completed, increasing collapse risks. Striking existing underground services during excavation can cause electrocution from damaged cables, gas explosions from ruptured mains, or flooding from damaged water pipes. Excavations during mobilisation may remain open longer than necessary while connections are completed, creating fall-into-excavation hazards for other workers unfamiliar with site conditions. Inadequate edge protection, signage, or barricading of excavations increases risks to pedestrians and mobile plant operators who may not be aware of excavation locations.

Consequence: Fatal burial in collapsed excavations, electrocution or gas explosion from service strikes, falls into excavations causing serious injuries, damage to critical infrastructure affecting surrounding areas, and project delays from excavation incidents requiring investigation and remediation.

Environmental Impacts Including Dust, Noise, and Contamination

medium

Mobilisation activities generate environmental impacts that can affect surrounding communities and trigger regulatory interventions. Dust generation from site clearing, vehicle movements on unsealed surfaces, and earthworks creates amenity impacts for nearby residents and can violate air quality standards. Noise from heavy vehicles, plant operations, facility construction, and pile driving or excavation activities exceeds residential noise limits particularly when mobilisation extends into early morning or evening periods. Fuel storage and refueling operations during mobilisation create spill risks before bunded storage facilities are properly established. Clearing activities may disturb contaminated land, exposing workers to hazardous substances and creating environmental liabilities. Stormwater runoff from cleared areas and stockpiled materials can cause sediment discharge to waterways before erosion and sediment control measures are fully implemented. Inadequate waste management during mobilisation can result in materials being blown offsite or contaminating surrounding areas.

Consequence: Community complaints leading to regulatory investigations and work restrictions, environmental protection orders requiring costly remediation, fines for air quality or water pollution violations, worker exposure to contaminated materials causing health effects, and reputational damage affecting ongoing stakeholder relationships.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Pre-Mobilisation Site Assessment and Planning

Elimination

Conducting comprehensive site assessments before mobilisation commences eliminates uncertainty about site conditions, identifies hazards requiring controls, and enables development of detailed mobilisation plans that sequence activities to minimise risks. Thorough planning eliminates the reactive, ad-hoc approaches that create safety incidents during chaotic mobilisation periods.

Implementation

1. Engage surveyors to conduct detailed site surveys documenting existing levels, vegetation, structures, access points, and underground service locations using GPS and ground-penetrating radar. 2. Commission geotechnical investigations including bore sampling to characterise soil conditions, bearing capacity, groundwater levels, and presence of contamination or unstable ground. 3. Submit dial-before-you-dig requests identifying all underground services from utility providers, obtaining service location plans for review during mobilisation planning. 4. Conduct environmental site assessments identifying constraints including protected vegetation, heritage items, noise-sensitive receptors, and watercourses requiring protection. 5. Develop comprehensive mobilisation plans documenting sequence of activities, resource requirements, delivery schedules, traffic management arrangements, and safety control measures for each activity. 6. Identify and procure all required approvals including development consent conditions, environmental authority permits, traffic management approvals, and utility connection permits before mobilisation commences. 7. Conduct mobilisation planning meetings with all contractors and suppliers involved in mobilisation, communicating expectations, coordination requirements, and safety obligations before site activities begin.

Traffic Management Plan and Vehicle Movement Controls

Engineering

Implementing comprehensive traffic management systems including designated vehicle routes, pedestrian exclusion zones, physical barriers, and communication protocols eliminates uncontrolled vehicle movements that cause collision incidents. Engineering controls create safe separation between vehicles and pedestrians, reducing reliance on worker vigilance.

Implementation

1. Develop site-specific Traffic Management Plan identifying all vehicle entry and exit points, internal haul routes, delivery areas, parking locations, and pedestrian pathways with clear separation from vehicle routes. 2. Install physical barriers including concrete barriers, water-filled barriers, or bollards separating pedestrian walkways from vehicle operating areas, particularly around site facilities and high-traffic zones. 3. Construct hardstand areas using compacted gravel or crushed rock at all delivery and unloading zones, preventing vehicles from accessing soft ground where bogging or tip-over risks exist. 4. Install signage at site entry points communicating maximum speed limits (typically 20 km/h for construction sites), one-way systems, and stop/give way requirements at intersections. 5. Establish designated parking areas away from active construction zones, preventing ad-hoc parking that creates obstacles or congestion in working areas. 6. Implement vehicle reversing controls requiring use of spotters, reversing alarms, and reversing cameras for all reversing maneuvers, with exclusion zones preventing pedestrians from approaching reversing vehicles. 7. Deploy traffic controllers with appropriate accreditation at site entry points and internal intersections during peak delivery periods, managing vehicle movements to prevent conflicts and congestion.

Mechanical Handling Equipment for Material Unloading

Engineering

Deploying mechanical handling equipment including forklifts, telehandlers, and excavators with lifting attachments eliminates manual handling of heavy materials during mobilisation. Engineering controls provide capacity to safely move loads that would cause injury if handled manually, removing workers from manual handling hazards.

Implementation

1. Mobilise forklifts or telehandlers to site as first priority equipment delivery, ensuring mechanical handling capacity is available before bulk material deliveries commence. 2. Specify forklift capacity appropriate for heaviest loads requiring handling (typically 2.5-5 tonne capacity for construction sites), with all-terrain capability for operation on uneven ground during early mobilisation. 3. Ensure forklift operators hold current high-risk work licenses (LF or LO class) and are inducted on site conditions including ground stability, overhead clearances, and traffic management requirements. 4. Establish designated unloading zones with level hardstand areas allowing forklifts and delivery trucks to work safely without ground stability concerns or traffic conflicts. 5. Prohibit manual handling of items exceeding 25 kilograms individual lift weight or 50 kilograms team lift weight, requiring mechanical handling methods for all loads above these thresholds. 6. Provide hand trolleys, pallet jacks, and dollies for moving smaller items and materials, reducing manual carrying and lifting even for lighter loads. 7. Plan delivery schedules to avoid multiple concurrent deliveries requiring simultaneous mechanical handling, preventing equipment conflicts and delays.

Licensed Electricians for Temporary Power Installation

Elimination

Requiring all temporary electrical work to be performed by licensed electricians eliminates electrical hazards from incompetent work. Restricting electrical work to qualified persons ensures installations comply with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and incorporate appropriate protection devices, earthing systems, and weather protection.

Implementation

1. Engage licensed electrical contractors holding appropriate licenses for electrical installation work (LBEC, CBEC or equivalent in relevant jurisdiction) to design and install all temporary electrical systems. 2. Require electrical contractors to develop temporary electrical distribution drawings showing main switchboard location, sub-distribution boards, cable routes, and equipment connection points before installation commences. 3. Install residual current devices (RCDs) with maximum 30 milliamp trip rating on all temporary power outlets, providing protection against electric shock from earth leakage faults. 4. Implement IP-rated (weatherproof) electrical distribution equipment for all outdoor installations, preventing water ingress that could cause electrical faults and shock hazards. 5. Protect all temporary cables from mechanical damage using cable protection ramps where cables cross vehicle routes, overhead cable runs where clearance allows, or buried cables with warning tape and depth markers. 6. Conduct electrical testing including earth loop impedance testing and RCD trip time verification before energising temporary systems, with test certificates provided confirming compliance with AS/NZS 3760. 7. Prohibit use of portable electrical equipment until tested and tagged, with centralised register maintained documenting all tested equipment and re-test due dates.

Fall Protection Systems for Work at Height

Engineering

Providing proper access equipment and fall protection systems for all work at height during mobilisation eliminates fall risks from improvised access methods. Engineering controls including scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms, and permanent anchor points provide safe working platforms and arrest systems preventing fall injuries.

Implementation

1. Engage scaffolding contractors to install temporary scaffolding systems for facility erection work requiring sustained access at height, with platforms minimum 600mm wide and complete edge protection including toe boards. 2. Deploy mobile elevated work platforms (scissor lifts or boom lifts) rated for heights and outreach required for crane assembly, lighting installation, and elevated service connections, with operators holding appropriate high-risk work licenses. 3. Install permanent anchor points rated for fall arrest systems at roof level on temporary facilities, allowing safe access for maintenance and repair work throughout project duration. 4. Provide personal fall arrest systems including full-body harnesses rated to AS/NZS 1891.1, twin-tail lanyards with shock absorbers, and retractable fall arrest devices for personnel working from elevated work platforms or conducting temporary work at height. 5. Prohibit use of ladders for work at height, restricting ladder use to access purposes only with maximum vertical height of 3 metres and requirement for ladder stabilisation. 6. Conduct fall protection equipment inspections before each use, checking for damage to harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points with damaged equipment removed from service immediately. 7. Train all personnel likely to work at height in correct harness donning, anchor point selection, and fall arrest equipment use before mobilisation work commences.

Excavation Management and Shoring Requirements

Engineering

Implementing excavation management procedures including competent person supervision, installation of shoring or battering for deep excavations, and exclusion zones around excavation edges eliminates burial and fall-into-excavation hazards. Engineering controls provide physical protection preventing excavation wall collapse and uncontrolled access to excavations.

Implementation

1. Appoint competent persons with excavation safety training and experience to supervise all excavation activities during mobilisation, with authority to stop work if unsafe conditions develop. 2. Install trench shoring or batter excavation walls to stable angles (typically 1:1.5 for unstable soils, 1:1 for stable soils) for all excavations deeper than 1.5 metres, eliminating reliance on soil self-supporting characteristics. 3. Conduct underground service location using electromagnetic locators and ground-penetrating radar before any excavation, with trial pits dug manually to expose services before mechanical excavation within 500mm of identified service locations. 4. Install edge protection barriers minimum 1.2 metres from excavation edges, preventing vehicles and mobile plant from approaching edges where ground loading could trigger collapse. 5. Provide safe access including ladders or ramps at maximum 8-metre intervals for excavations deeper than 2 metres, ensuring workers can enter and exit safely in normal operations and emergencies. 6. Implement excavation inspections daily and after rain events, with competent persons assessing wall stability, water accumulation, and edge protection integrity before workers enter excavations. 7. Barricade and illuminate excavations remaining open overnight or during non-working hours, preventing unauthorised access and ensuring visibility to prevent fall-into incidents.

Environmental Management Plan Implementation

Administrative

Developing and implementing comprehensive environmental management plans establishes systematic controls for dust, noise, water pollution, and waste management during mobilisation. Administrative controls create accountability and monitoring systems ensuring environmental obligations are met and community impacts are minimised.

Implementation

1. Develop site-specific Environmental Management Plan identifying all environmental risks including dust generation, noise impacts, stormwater pollution, and waste management, with specific control measures for each identified risk. 2. Install dust suppression systems including water carts for regular watering of unsealed roads and cleared areas, sediment fencing around site boundaries, and stabilisation of stockpiles using tarps or chemical binders during windy conditions. 3. Implement noise management controls including restricting high-noise activities to permitted hours (typically 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-1pm Saturdays, no work Sundays in residential areas), installing acoustic barriers around noisy equipment, and using noise-suppressed equipment where available. 4. Install erosion and sediment controls including silt fencing at low points, sediment basins to capture runoff from disturbed areas, and stabilised site entry/exit points to prevent tracking of sediment onto public roads before bulk earthworks commence. 5. Establish waste management systems including separate bins for general waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials, with regular collection services arranged before waste accumulation creates environmental risks. 6. Install bunded fuel storage areas with minimum 110% containment capacity before bulk fuel deliveries, with spill kits located adjacent to all refueling areas and personnel trained in spill response procedures. 7. Conduct environmental monitoring including regular inspections of sediment controls, noise measurements at site boundaries during high-noise activities, and visual inspections of stormwater discharge points, with corrective actions implemented immediately when deficiencies are identified.

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Personal protective equipment

Hard Hat with High Visibility

Requirement: Type 1 hard hat complying with AS/NZS 1801 in high-visibility colour (white, yellow, or orange) for enhanced visibility

When: Mandatory for all personnel on site during mobilisation due to overhead hazards from crane lifts, material handling, and facility construction activities. High-visibility colours improve worker visibility to mobile plant operators.

Steel Toe-Capped Safety Boots

Requirement: Steel toe-capped boots meeting AS/NZS 2210.3 with slip-resistant soles and ankle support for uneven ground

When: Required for all site personnel due to risks from dropped materials, mobile plant operations, and uneven ground surfaces during site preparation. Ankle support critical when working on rough or cleared ground.

High-Visibility Vest or Shirt Class D

Requirement: High-visibility garments meeting AS/NZS 4602.1 Class D with minimum 0.2m² fluorescent background material and retroreflective tape

When: Mandatory for all personnel in areas with mobile plant operations or heavy vehicle movements. Essential during mobilisation when traffic management may not be fully established and vehicle movements are frequent.

Work Gloves - Heavy Duty

Requirement: Heavy-duty work gloves with reinforced palms and fingers, rated for cut resistance to AS/NZS 2161.2

When: Required when handling materials, equipment, fencing, or any items with sharp edges or rough surfaces. Not to be worn when operating mobile plant or working near rotating machinery.

Safety Glasses with Side Shields

Requirement: Impact-resistant safety glasses meeting AS/NZS 1337 with side shields for peripheral protection

When: Required in all work areas due to risks from dust, flying debris during clearing activities, and general construction hazards. Face shields required when operating angle grinders or conducting cutting operations.

Hearing Protection

Requirement: Class 4 or 5 earmuffs meeting AS/NZS 1270 or disposable earplugs providing minimum 25dB attenuation

When: Required when working within 5 metres of operating plant and equipment, during pile driving operations, or in areas where conversation at 1 metre distance requires raised voice. Mandatory in designated hearing protection zones.

Sun Protection - Hat and Sunscreen

Requirement: Broad-brimmed hat or hard hat with brim attachment, plus SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen applied every 2 hours

When: Required for all outdoor work during mobilisation to prevent skin cancer from solar UV exposure. Particularly critical during summer months and in northern Australian locations with high UV index.

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Conduct site walkover inspection identifying hazards including steep slopes, unstable ground, overhead powerlines, underground service locations, and existing structures requiring protection
  • ✓Review and verify all required approvals and permits including development consent, environmental permits, traffic management approvals, and utility connection authorities are obtained
  • ✓Inspect all plant and equipment being mobilised including forklifts, excavators, trucks, and elevating work platforms for current registration, service compliance, and operator licenses
  • ✓Verify temporary facilities including site offices and amenities comply with minimum standards for worker facilities under WHS regulations including toilets, drinking water, and first aid equipment
  • ✓Check that all required safety equipment is available on site including first aid kits, spill kits, fire extinguishers, traffic control devices, and emergency contact information
  • ✓Confirm communication systems are operational including mobile phone coverage, two-way radios for plant operators, and emergency contact procedures are established
  • ✓Review delivery schedules and access routes to identify potential conflicts or constraints requiring traffic management controls during heavy delivery periods
  • ✓Conduct toolbox meeting with all mobilisation personnel reviewing work sequence, hazard controls, traffic management arrangements, and emergency procedures before work commences

During work

  • ✓Monitor vehicle movements continuously, ensuring traffic management controls are followed and vehicles maintain safe speeds within site boundaries
  • ✓Inspect excavations daily for wall stability, water accumulation, edge protection integrity, and proper barricading, with competent person sign-off before workers enter
  • ✓Check temporary electrical installations during and after connections to verify RCD function, earthing effectiveness, and adequate protection of cables from damage
  • ✓Verify environmental controls remain effective including sediment fencing integrity, dust suppression adequacy, and proper waste segregation and containment
  • ✓Monitor noise and dust generation, implementing additional controls if complaints are received or environmental limits are being approached
  • ✓Inspect lifting operations including crane setup, load weights, exclusion zones, and communication between operators and doggers before and during lifts
  • ✓Check that fall protection systems are used correctly when work at height occurs, verifying harness fit, anchor point adequacy, and proper connection of lanyards
  • ✓Conduct regular coordination meetings with all contractors on site to manage interface issues, schedule conflicts, and emerging hazards as mobilisation progresses

After work

  • ✓Verify all temporary facilities are properly installed, commissioned, and compliant with relevant standards before occupation or use by workers
  • ✓Check that all utilities are connected, tested, and operational including power, water, sewerage, and communications before commencement of main construction works
  • ✓Inspect completed traffic management installations including signage, line marking, barriers, and gates to verify compliance with approved Traffic Management Plan
  • ✓Confirm environmental controls are fully operational including sediment fences, bunded fuel storage, waste management systems, and stormwater discharge controls
  • ✓Document completion of mobilisation activities including facilities installed, equipment deployed, utilities connected, and any outstanding issues requiring attention
  • ✓Conduct final mobilisation inspection with client representatives and regulatory authorities as required by project conditions, addressing any deficiencies identified
  • ✓Review mobilisation performance to identify lessons learned for future projects, including safety incidents, delays, cost overruns, or successful innovations implemented

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Site Survey and Pre-Mobilisation Assessment

Conduct comprehensive site survey documenting existing conditions including site access points, ground levels and slopes, vegetation requiring clearing or retention, existing structures and services, and surrounding land uses. Engage qualified surveyors to establish site control benchmarks and accurately locate property boundaries, easements, and service corridors. Commission geotechnical investigations including bore sampling at locations of proposed facilities and major plant installations to characterise soil conditions and bearing capacity. Submit dial-before-you-dig requests identifying locations of underground services, obtaining responses from all utility providers with infrastructure in the area. Review all obtained information to identify constraints and hazards including overhead powerlines requiring consideration during crane and elevated work platform use, underground services requiring protection or relocation, contaminated land requiring specialised handling, protected vegetation or heritage items restricting clearing, and noise or environmental constraints affecting permissible work hours. Develop comprehensive mobilisation plan documenting sequence of works, resource requirements including plant and equipment needs, delivery schedules coordinated to minimise conflicts, temporary facility layouts maximising efficiency and safety, traffic management requirements for vehicle movements, and environmental controls required before bulk works commence. Obtain all necessary approvals including development consent compliance verification, environmental authority permits, traffic management approvals from road authorities, and utility connection permits before mobilisation activities begin on site.

Safety considerations

Failure to identify underground services before excavation causes service strikes resulting in electrocution, gas explosions, or infrastructure damage. Ensure thorough service location investigations are conducted and documented. Inadequate geotechnical investigation leads to foundation failures or ground collapse when heavy equipment is mobilised—invest in proper investigations before equipment deployment.

2

Site Access and Traffic Management Installation

Establish primary site access point by installing vehicle entry gate with lockable security fencing, constructing hardstand entrance area using geotextile fabric and crushed rock to prevent mud tracking onto public roads, and installing wheel wash facility or rumble strips where required by environmental approvals. Erect site identification signage, safety signage including speed limits and PPE requirements, and directional signage guiding deliveries to designated unloading areas. Implement traffic management on public roads adjacent to site including installation of warning signs, temporary speed restrictions if approved by road authority, and engagement of traffic controllers for periods of heavy vehicle movements if required by Traffic Management Plan. Construct internal access roads and hardstand areas by clearing and grubbing vegetation along planned routes, removing topsoil and stockpiling for later rehabilitation, placing geotextile fabric on prepared subgrade, and constructing road base using compacted gravel or crushed rock minimum 200mm depth. Install drainage including cross-fall to prevent water ponding on roads, culverts or drainage pipes under roads where required to maintain natural water flow, and connection to sediment control systems capturing runoff from disturbed areas. Establish designated parking areas for worker vehicles away from construction zones, delivery and unloading zones with adequate hardstand and turning areas for anticipated vehicle sizes, and laydown areas for material storage segregated by material type and compatibility.

Safety considerations

Heavy vehicles accessing sites via unsuitable routes or on inadequate pavements can cause public road damage, vehicle rollovers, or loss of control endangering the public. Ensure access routes are assessed for suitability and approvals obtained before mobilisation. Inadequate hardstand areas cause vehicles to bog or tip over when ground fails—construct adequate pavements before permitting heavy vehicle access.

3

Perimeter Security and Environmental Controls

Install perimeter security fencing around entire site boundary or work area using temporary fencing panels minimum 1.8 metres high, secured with concrete feet or driven star pickets at maximum 2.5-metre intervals, braced against wind loads, and checked for stability before being left unattended. Install lockable access gates at all entry points with signage prohibiting unauthorised entry and displaying emergency contact information. For sites with high security requirements or valuable equipment, consider installation of CCTV cameras, security lighting, and contracted security patrol services during non-working hours. Implement environmental controls before any clearing or bulk earthworks by installing sediment fencing at site low points and along boundaries adjacent to waterways or stormwater systems, ensuring sediment fence is properly trenched into ground and backfilled to prevent underflow. Install stabilised site entry point using rumble strips, steel plates, or concrete washout area to remove sediment from vehicle wheels before leaving site. Establish erosion control measures including diversion drains to redirect clean water around disturbed areas, temporary stabilisation of exposed soil using mulch or hydroseed where works will pause for extended periods, and protection of existing vegetation designated for retention using high-visibility fencing and root zone protection.

Safety considerations

Inadequate site security permits unauthorised access by children or trespassers who may be injured by site hazards. Secure all sites during non-working hours and verify fencing integrity daily. Sediment discharge to waterways causes environmental harm and regulatory prosecution—install controls before clearing and monitor effectiveness throughout mobilisation.

4

Temporary Utilities Connection and Distribution

Coordinate with utility providers to establish connections for temporary power, water, and sewerage services required during construction. For temporary power, engage licensed electrical contractor to install main electrical switchboard at designated location, install underground or overhead cables from utility connection point to switchboard following approved route, install sub-distribution boards at locations of major power consumption including site facilities and plant hardstands, and deploy temporary lighting systems including area lighting for work zones and security lighting for perimeter areas. Ensure all electrical installations incorporate RCD protection, weatherproof enclosures, and adequate cable protection from mechanical damage. For temporary water supply, install water connection from utility main or establish bore or tank water supply if reticulated water is unavailable, install water distribution including pipework to site facilities for amenities water and potable drinking water, and establish non-potable water supply for construction purposes including dust suppression and concrete production. For sewerage, connect site facilities to sewer main if available, or install temporary sewage treatment system including septic tanks or packaged treatment plants with appropriate capacity for site occupancy, ensuring compliance with environmental approvals for discharge. Commission all utility systems by conducting functional testing, verifying adequate capacity for anticipated demands, and training site personnel in operation and emergency shutdown procedures.

Safety considerations

Electrical work on temporary power installations by unqualified persons causes electrocution—require all electrical work to be performed by licensed electricians and tested before energisation. Carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly positioned generators kills workers—ensure generators are located in well-ventilated areas away from occupied facilities and air intakes.

5

Temporary Facilities Installation

Install temporary site facilities including site offices for project management and administration, meeting rooms for design coordination and safety meetings, amenities buildings providing toilets, showers, and lunchrooms complying with minimum worker facility standards, first aid rooms equipped to regulatory requirements, and secure storage for tools, equipment, and materials. Prepare facility foundation areas by excavating and leveling areas designated for facilities, installing crushed rock pads providing stable bearing for relocatable buildings, and providing drainage to prevent water accumulation under facilities. Position facilities using cranes or forklifts in accordance with lift plan developed by competent person, ensuring adequate clearances from overhead powerlines, excavations, and site boundaries. Connect facilities to established temporary utilities including power, water, and sewerage, with connections performed by licensed tradespeople. Install fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, first aid equipment, and emergency evacuation information in all occupied facilities. Equip facilities with required amenities including drinking water, heating and cooling for temperature control, adequate lighting, hand washing facilities, and waste disposal bins. Conduct facility inspections verifying compliance with WHS minimum facility standards before occupation, addressing any deficiencies identified during inspection process.

Safety considerations

Falls from height during facility installation cause serious injuries—use proper access equipment including elevated work platforms or scaffolding, never work from ladders or improvised platforms. Inadequate facilities failing to provide minimum amenities violate WHS regulations and create poor working conditions affecting morale—ensure facilities meet or exceed minimum standards before worker occupancy.

6

Major Plant and Equipment Delivery and Commissioning

Coordinate delivery of major plant items including tower cranes, concrete batching plants, crushing equipment, or other significant equipment required for project construction. Develop lift plans for crane delivery and erection including assessment of ground conditions at crane location, calculation of crane lifting capacities and radius requirements, identification of overhead powerline clearances, establishment of exclusion zones preventing unauthorised access during erection, and appointment of competent persons to supervise crane erection activities. Prepare crane base foundations by excavating to specified depth, installing compacted granular fill or engineered concrete pads providing uniform bearing, and conducting proof testing to verify foundation adequacy before crane erection. Erect tower cranes or install mobile cranes following manufacturer instructions and lift plans, with qualified riggers and crane supervisors overseeing all erection activities. Install crane safety devices including load moment indicators, wind speed monitors, and emergency stop systems, verifying correct function before commissioning crane for lifting operations. Commission all major plant items by conducting functional testing of safety systems, training designated operators in equipment-specific procedures, and documenting commissioning activities including test results and any rectification work required. Establish plant inspection and maintenance systems ensuring ongoing compliance with manufacturer requirements and regulatory obligations throughout project duration.

Safety considerations

Tower crane collapse during erection causes multiple fatalities and project-wide devastation—ensure competent persons supervise all erection work and foundations are adequate before erection proceeds. Powerline contact during crane erection causes electrocution and widespread power outages—verify minimum approach distances before any lifting operations near powerlines and consider requesting powerline de-energisation for high-risk erection activities.

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Frequently asked questions

What minimum facilities must be provided during site mobilisation under WHS regulations?

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and various state/territory codes of practice, construction sites must provide minimum worker facilities including toilets at ratio of one toilet for every 20 workers (or part thereof), with separate facilities for male and female workers if practicable, located within 100 metres of work areas. Drinking water must be provided and readily accessible to all workers, with supply protected from contamination. Washing facilities including hand basins with soap and towels must be provided adjacent to toilet facilities. Eating facilities providing shelter from weather, seating, table surfaces, and facilities for warming food must be available. First aid facilities appropriate to the workplace size and hazards must be provided, typically including equipped first aid room for sites with 100+ workers. These facilities should be established during initial mobilisation before significant numbers of workers commence on site. Failure to provide minimum facilities violates fundamental WHS obligations and can result in improvement notices requiring immediate rectification. Beyond minimum compliance, providing good quality facilities demonstrates respect for workers and supports positive safety culture from project commencement.

How do I manage underground service risks during excavation for utility connections during mobilisation?

Managing underground service risks during mobilisation excavations requires systematic approach combining multiple verification layers. Begin by submitting dial-before-you-dig requests minimum 5 business days before excavation, obtaining service location information from all utility providers. Engage qualified service locators using electromagnetic location equipment and ground-penetrating radar to physically detect and mark services with spray paint following AS 5488 colour coding (red for electricity, yellow for gas, blue for water, orange for telecommunications). Conduct trial pits using vacuum excavation or careful hand digging at proposed excavation locations to physically expose services and verify locations before mechanical excavation commences. Implement exclusion zones around identified services, typically requiring hand digging within 500mm of marked locations and reduced machine excavation rates within 3 metres. Brief excavator operators on service locations and protection requirements, ensuring operators understand the critical importance of vigilance when working near services. For high-risk services including high-voltage cables or high-pressure gas mains, contact service authorities to arrange supervision or attendance during excavation works. Install temporary protection over exposed services using sandbags, timber sleepers, or purpose-designed service protection before backfilling or working over services. Remember that dial-before-you-dig information may be inaccurate or incomplete, service locations can vary from plans, and unmarked services may exist—always excavate cautiously and treat all areas as if services are present until proven otherwise through physical exposure and confirmation.

What approvals and permits are required before commencing site mobilisation in urban areas?

Site mobilisation in urban areas requires multiple approvals depending on activities being undertaken and local authority requirements. Development consent or building approval is fundamental, with mobilisation activities required to comply with consent conditions including limits on work hours, noise management requirements, environmental controls, and community consultation obligations. Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) may require approval by consent authorities or environmental regulators before mobilisation commences, particularly for large projects or environmentally sensitive locations. Traffic management approvals from road authorities are required for any works affecting public roads including temporary road closures, traffic control activities, or temporary access driveways connecting sites to road networks—submit traffic management plans minimum 10-20 business days before mobilisation to allow processing time. Utility connection permits from electricity, water, and telecommunications providers are required before connecting to existing services, with some utilities requiring substantial lead times for design review and connection approval. Hoarding permits or footpath occupation permits may be required from local councils for installation of fencing or facilities encroaching onto public land. Crane operation notifications may be required to aviation authorities (CASA) if crane heights exceed thresholds requiring aviation assessment, typically 110 metres above ground in built-up areas. Work cover or equivalent insurances must be in place before any workers commence on site. Failing to obtain required approvals before mobilisation can result in work stoppages, fines, and project delays while approvals are retrospectively obtained—always confirm approval requirements early in project planning to ensure mobilisation can proceed on schedule.

How should I manage the risk of contaminated land during site clearing and mobilisation?

Managing contaminated land risks during mobilisation requires preliminary assessment before bulk clearing and excavation activities commence. Review available information including historical land uses (particularly former industrial, agricultural, or waste disposal activities), preliminary site investigations conducted during project planning, and visual indicators such as staining, odours, or stressed vegetation suggesting contamination. If contamination is suspected or confirmed, engage qualified contaminated land consultants to conduct detailed site investigations including soil sampling, groundwater assessment, and waste classification to characterise contamination extent and type. Develop Contaminated Land Management Plan identifying contaminated areas requiring special handling, appropriate excavation and handling methods, worker health monitoring requirements, required personal protective equipment upgrades (potentially including respiratory protection for volatile contaminants), waste classification and disposal pathways for contaminated materials, and environmental controls preventing contamination spread during earthworks. Brief all workers on contamination hazards and controls before clearing contaminated areas, ensuring workers understand when to stop work and report unexpected contamination encounters. Implement dust suppression to prevent airborne exposure to contaminated soils, segregate contaminated materials in bunded stockpile areas preventing leachate discharge, and arrange disposal through licensed waste facilities capable of accepting the contamination type identified. Conduct health monitoring for workers exposed to certain contaminants (particularly asbestos, lead, or hydrocarbons) as recommended by occupational hygienists. Document all contaminated land management activities including areas encountered, quantities removed, disposal dockets, and worker exposure records for regulatory compliance and duty of care obligations. Contaminated land presents serious health risks to workers and substantial environmental liabilities—always investigate contamination risks during project planning and implement rigorous controls during mobilisation activities in contaminated areas.

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Overview

Site mobilisation encompasses all activities required to transition a vacant or greenfield site into a fully functional construction workplace capable of supporting project operations. This includes physical works such as site clearing and leveling, access road construction, installation of security perimeters, erection of temporary buildings and facilities, delivery and commissioning of major plant items, establishment of material storage areas with appropriate segregation and containment, installation of temporary electrical distribution and lighting systems, connection of water supply and sewerage services, implementation of stormwater and erosion control measures, and deployment of safety equipment including first aid facilities and emergency assembly points. The mobilisation process varies significantly depending on project type, duration, location, and complexity. Small residential developments may require only basic site establishment including perimeter fencing, material delivery, and connection to existing services over 1-2 days. Large infrastructure projects may involve extensive mobilisation periods of several weeks including construction of site access roads capable of supporting heavy haulage vehicles, installation of substantial temporary facilities including multi-level site offices, amenities buildings, warehouses and workshops, deployment of tower cranes and other major plant requiring engineered foundations, establishment of concrete batching plants or asphalt production facilities, and construction of temporary bridges or haul roads to access remote work areas. Site mobilisation creates unique safety challenges due to the compressed timeframe, simultaneous activities from multiple contractors, frequent heavy vehicle movements, temporary nature of installations, and incomplete site infrastructure. Workers face hazards from mobile plant movements in congested areas with limited traffic management, manual handling of equipment and materials during setup activities, electrical work installing temporary power systems, working at height erecting facilities and plant, excavation for service connections and foundations, and interaction with existing services during utility connections. Environmental hazards including dust generation from clearing and earthworks, noise from construction activities affecting nearby residents, and potential contamination from fuel storage and equipment operation must also be managed during mobilisation. Effective mobilisation establishes the safety culture and systems that influence project outcomes throughout the construction phase. Well-planned mobilisation with comprehensive SWMS demonstrates commitment to safety, establishes clear procedures and responsibilities, ensures adequate resourcing of safety equipment and facilities, and creates positive relationships with regulatory authorities, clients, and surrounding communities. Conversely, chaotic mobilisation with inadequate planning leads to incidents, regulatory interventions, community complaints, and project delays that undermine subsequent construction phases and damage organisational reputation.

Why This SWMS Matters

Site mobilisation involves multiple high-risk construction activities that trigger mandatory SWMS requirements under Schedule 3 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011. These include excavation work deeper than 1.5 metres for service connections or foundations, electrical work on temporary power installations, work at height during facility erection and plant assembly, work involving cranes and hoists for equipment placement, and work on or near existing underground services during utility connections. The simultaneous occurrence of these high-risk activities during mobilisation creates compound risks that demand comprehensive safety planning and coordination. Incidents during site mobilisation have significant project implications beyond immediate worker injuries. Fatal incidents during mobilisation can result in project suspension pending investigation, with regulatory prohibition notices preventing any site activities until safety improvements are implemented. The reputational damage from early-stage incidents affects client relationships, future tender opportunities, and community perceptions that may persist throughout the project lifecycle. Insurance implications including increased premiums or coverage restrictions can impact project viability, while litigation from injured workers or their families creates substantial financial and emotional burdens on organisations. From a regulatory compliance perspective, mobilisation activities are highly visible to authorities and surrounding communities, with increased scrutiny during this establishment phase. Early regulatory inspections often focus on mobilisation activities including verification that SWMS are in place for high-risk work, checking that site facilities meet minimum standards for worker amenities, confirming environmental controls are operational before bulk earthworks commence, and ensuring traffic management systems are adequate for heavy vehicle movements. Compliance failures during mobilisation create negative impressions with regulators that influence their approach to subsequent inspections throughout the project. The operational benefits of well-planned mobilisation extend throughout project delivery. Properly established site facilities including adequate amenities, appropriate storage areas, and functional temporary services support worker productivity and morale. Clear traffic management systems reduce congestion and delays from vehicle movements, improving material delivery efficiency. Effective environmental controls prevent regulatory interventions that can halt work and create costly remediation requirements. Comprehensive induction processes and safety systems established during mobilisation create positive safety culture that reduces incidents and workers' compensation costs throughout construction phases. Investment in thorough mobilisation planning with comprehensive SWMS generates returns through improved safety performance, enhanced efficiency, and reduced risk exposure that benefit all project stakeholders.

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Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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