Landscaping

A SWMS is legally required under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 when landscaping work involves high-risk construction activities. This includes operation of mobile plant such as tractors, ride-on mowers, or stump grinders, excavation work for irrigation installation or garden bed preparation, tree work at heights exceeding 2 metres or using powered equipment, and work near underground services including trenching activities. Additionally, principal contractors on construction projects valued over $250,000 must ensure all work is covered by SWMS documentation. Even when not legally mandated, best practice recommends SWMS documentation for all landscaping operations involving specialised equipment, chemical use, or tree work to demonstrate due diligence and systematic risk management. The document must be prepared before work commences, reviewed with all workers during site induction, and be readily accessible throughout the landscaping operations.

Landscaping equipment operation requires specific licencing and competency verification depending on equipment type. Operators of tractors, ride-on mowers over 560kg, or ATVs in construction work contexts may require general construction induction (White Card) and equipment-specific training verified through competency assessments. Elevated work platform operators used for tree trimming must hold a High Risk Work Licence for the specific platform type (WP licence class). Chainsaw operators should complete appropriate training in chainsaw operation and tree felling techniques, with some jurisdictions requiring specific arborist qualifications for commercial tree work. Chemical applicators using restricted chemicals must hold current chemical user permits or licences issued by the relevant state authority. Employers must verify operator licensing, maintain training records, ensure medical fitness where required, and provide site-specific inductions covering hazards particular to the construction environment. All workers must complete general construction induction training and receive instruction on site-specific emergency procedures including snake bite first aid and emergency contact protocols.

Before any excavation for irrigation, planting, or garden bed preparation, contractors must contact Dial Before You Dig (1100) at least two business days prior to commencing work. This free service provides plans showing the location of underground services including electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, and sewer assets. Contractors must provide accurate work location information using street addresses, lot numbers, or GPS coordinates to ensure complete service information. Upon receiving service plans, contractors must identify service locations on site using surface markers or paint. For critical excavations near buildings or known services, electromagnetic location equipment should be used to verify actual service positions as plans may be indicative only. When services are located, hand tools must be used for careful exposure within 500mm of identified service locations. All workers must understand service identification markings and halt work if unexpected services are encountered. The SWMS must document service location procedures, safe digging practices near services, and emergency response procedures for accidental service damage including electrical isolation and gas leak management.

Tree felling requires comprehensive safety planning starting with detailed site assessment including tree species, size, lean, defects, surrounding hazards, and weather conditions. Operators must establish exclusion zones with a radius of at least twice the tree height, clearly marked and communicated to all site personnel. For trees near power lines, overhead electrical clearances must be verified with minimum distances maintained or services isolated by the electricity authority. Pre-felling inspection must identify dead branches (widow makers), splits, decay, or structural defects affecting fall direction. Workers must plan primary and secondary escape routes positioned at 45 degrees from the intended fall direction and cleared of obstacles. Appropriate cutting techniques including undercut and backcut methods must be employed with correctly sharpened equipment. Communication systems must be established particularly when using elevated platforms or rope access techniques. All workers must wear appropriate PPE including chainsaw-resistant leg protection, hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing. The SWMS must specify competency requirements, equipment inspection procedures, emergency response plans including rescue from height, and first aid provisions appropriate to remote locations and serious trauma injuries.

Chemical use in landscaping must comply with Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulations and state-based agricultural chemical legislation. All chemicals must be used in accordance with product labels which constitute legal requirements. Operators applying Schedule 7 (dangerous poisons) or restricted chemicals must hold current chemical user permits or licences. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available on site for all chemicals used, with workers trained in SDS interpretation and emergency procedures. The SWMS must specify PPE requirements based on product labels, typically including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection where spraying occurs. Spray drift management procedures must prevent chemical contact with waterways, neighbouring properties, or non-target vegetation. Chemicals must be stored in secure, bunded areas with appropriate signage and spill response equipment. Mixing must occur in well-ventilated areas using calibrated equipment to ensure correct dilution rates. Application must be avoided during windy conditions, with weather monitoring requirements specified. Equipment must be decontaminated after use with washdown water managed to prevent environmental contamination. Records must document chemical products used, application rates, locations, dates, weather conditions, and operator details. For work near schools, hospitals, or sensitive environments, additional notification and timing restrictions may apply under state environmental protection regulations.