SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS) – Barge Movements

Section 1: SWMS details

SWMS No

Date Prepared

Revision

Revision Date

Project Number

Job Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Section 2: Activity

Activity / Work / Task Location

a High-Risk Construction Activity being a Prescribed Activity:

Excavator Operation

Asbestos Removal
Demolition
Other

an Earthmoving or Particular Crane Operation

an Earthmoving or Particular Crane Operation

Section 3: Reference Documentation

The following reference documents including but not limited to Legislation, Codes of Practice and various Standards apply to this SWMS:

Legislation:

Work Health & Safety Act 2011
Work Health & Safety Regulations 2025
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009
NSW Maritime Regulation 2016
COP – Managing Risk of Plant in the Workplace

Codes of Practice / Guidance Notes:

Construction Work
How to Manage Health and Safety Risks
First Aid in the Workplace
Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice

Standards ISO:

PAS99:2012 – Integrated Management System
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems
ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

User Manuals / Guides / etc.:

HWB Health and Safety Management System

Other (WHS plan etc.):

Section 4: Related Plant and Equipment (Select if using / applicable ☒)

Section 5: Training, Instruction & Permits (Select if using / applicable ☒)

Section 6: Certificates of Competency / High Risk Work Licences

Nominate all certified / licensed personnel and competent plant operators:

Single Line Text

Skill / Plant Type

Excavator Operations, White Card, Boat Licence, AMSA Exemption 38, etc

Operator / Personnel Name

(Full Name on Ticket)

Licence / Certificate / Ticket #

Skill / Plant Type 2

Operator / Personnel Name 2

Licence / Certificate / Ticket Number 2

Skill / Plant Type 3

Operator / Personnel Name 3

Licence / Certificate / Ticket Number 3

Skill / Plant Type 4

Operator / Personnel Name 4

Licence / Certificate / Ticket Number 4

Skill / Plant Type 5

Operator / Personnel Name 5

Licence / Certificate / Ticket Number 5

Section 7: Plant & Equipment Maintenance

Nominate all plant / equipment involved that requires maintenance for its safe operation.

Section 8: Responsibilities

The SWMS provides details of the control measures required to protect workers from exposure to these hazards and risks.
HWB workers (inclusive of employees and subcontractors) are to ensure adequate training prior to commencing site work.
The Principal Contractor or Client will provide adequate amenities (toilets, washrooms) as defined for this work type in accordance with Safe Work Practices.
HWB workers engaged in site work are required to wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as noted in this document.
HWB workers will comply with the Principal Contractor’s site-specific safety plans, including any inductions, where provided. All other company procedures regarding safety are maintained, implemented, and communicated to workers by Senior Management or relevant Supervisor.
This SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection until the high-risk construction work to which this SWMS relates is completed.
If the SWMS is revised, all versions should be kept.
If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the high-risk construction work in this SWMS, the SWMS must be kept for at least two (2) years from the date of the notifiable incident.

All persons involved in task must have this SWMS communicated to them prior to work commencing

Preparation Sign off The representatives of HWB Pty Ltd listed below have been involved in the creation and implementation of this Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). The SWMS will be communicated to workers via induction process and worker consultation. The SWMS will be reviewed annually.

Name / Title

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name / Title

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

SITE INSPECTIONS

Responsibilities

Regular consultation will be conducted by the Work Health and Safety Officer to ensure this SWMS is being complied with.
Work must cease immediately if an incident or near miss occurs. The SWMS must be amended in consultation with relevant persons.
Amendments must be approved by the Work Health and Safety Officer and the Work Health and Safety Manager and communicated to all affected workers before work resumes.

Safety Notes

This SWMS covers workers (other than construction employees) conducting inspections at construction sites. Main hazards include:

Being struck by moving plant on site (i.e., forklift, crane).
Slips, trips, and falls.
Working on or near water.

Personal Protective Equipment

Foot Protection	Hearing Protection	High Visibility	Head Protection	Eye Protection	Gloves	Personal Floating Device	Sunscreen Protection

Day Operations

PPE including safety footwear, hearing protection, high visibility shirt or vest, hard hat, and sun protection, and if required eye/face protection (goggles). Other PPE as required on site.
General Construction Induction Card.
Ticket for working at heights (as required).
Prior management approval required before inspection is undertaken.

Night Operations

As per Day Operations requirements, plus high visibility shirt and trousers.

Work Health and Safety Responsibilities

HWB workers will be responsible for identifying and assessing the hazards associated with the works and documenting the hazard control measures to be taken.
HWB workers will be responsible for compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, regulations, standards, codes, and the site-specific safety rules.
HWB workers will be responsible for assessing and monitoring subcontractor capabilities and ensuring they meet WHS requirements.
HWB workers will be responsible for managing the acquisition and communication of WHS information to managers, supervisors, and people working on site.
HWB workers will be responsible for reporting all on-site accidents, including accidents occurring to and from site.

Employee Sign Off

This SWMS has been developed through consultation with workers.
I have read the above SWMS and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification, to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS, including safe work instructions and the Personal Protective Equipment described.

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

SIGNAGE / Licence

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Name

Construction Induction Card #

Signature

Clear Signature

Date

Section 9: Hierarchy of Controls

Section 9: Hierarchy of Controls

Most Effective

Eliminate

Substitute

Isolate

Engineering

Administrative

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Least Effective

Eliminate – ‘Design out’ the hazard when new materials, equipment and work systems are being purchased for the workplace.

Substitute – Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment or substances and use smaller sized containers.

Isolate – Separate workers from hazards using barriers, enclosing noisy equipment, and providing exhaust or ventilation systems.

Engineering – Use engineering controls to reduce the risks, such as guards on equipment, hoists, or other lifting and moving equipment.

Administrative – Minimise the risk by adopting safe working practices or providing appropriate training, instruction, or information.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Ensure that appropriate PPE is available and used correctly.

Risk Assessment

TABLE 1 – LIKELIHOOD / CONSEQUENCE RISK MATRIX

Likelihood Consequence	1 - Insignificant No treatment required.	2 - Minor Minor injury requiring first aid treatment (e.g. minor cuts, bruises, bumps).	3 - Moderate Injury requiring medical treatment or lost time.	4 - Major Serious injury requiring specialist medical treatment or hospitalisation.	5 - Catastrophic Loss of life, permanent disability, or multiple serious injuries.
5 - Almost Certain	6 - Medium	7 - High	8 - High	9 - Extreme	10 - Extreme
4 - Likely	5 - Medium	6 - Medium	7 - High	8 - High	9 - Extreme
3 - Possible	4 - Low	5 - Medium	6 - Medium	7 - High	8 - High
2 - Unlikely	3 - Low	4 - Low	5 - Medium	6 - Medium	7 - High
1 - Rare	2 - Low	3 - Low	4 - Low	5 - Medium	6 - Medium

TABLE 1: TABLE OF PRIORITIES

RISK LEVEL	DESCRIPTION	ACTIONS
9 to 10	Extreme	Do not undertake task. Modify process/design. Actions recorded. Re-assess risk.
7 to 8	High	Action plan required including controls to manage risk. Requires senior management attention and supervision. Actions recorded.
5 to 6	Medium	Specify management responsibility. Actions recorded.
2 to 4	Low	Manage by routine procedures.

Field Work

Field Works can be categorized by the following levels: Work Classifications

Level	Description
Level 1	Any site works less than 1.5 hours from office, accessible by a public road, with adequate mobile reception.
Level 2	Any site works greater than 1.5 hours from office, accessible by a public road, with adequate mobile reception.
Level 3	Any site works greater than 2 hours from office, not directly accessible by a public road, with adequate mobile reception.
Level 4	Any site works greater than 2 hours from office, not accessible by a public road, with no mobile reception.

Workers that are required to work remotely or in isolation must be provided with a means of communication which enables:
The worker to initiate a call for help in the event of an emergency.
The worker to initiate and maintain a check-in process in accordance with the remote or isolated work risk assessment.

Where practical, the preferred method of communication should allow for voice communications. This may include a mobile phone or satellite phone.

Risk Management Schedule

L = Likelihood Rating (L1 to L5) C = Consequence Rating (C1 to C5) R = Risk Level

Step No.	Activity / Task / Condition	Possible Hazards or Risks	Risk Before Controls			Safety Controls (Description)	Risk After Controls			Responsible Party
			L	C	R		L	C	R
1.	Operator training	Operator not qualified or competent in completing the task at hand	2	5	H	❯ Operators must be internally inducted (HWB internal assessment based on observation under working conditions) to ensure the plant is operated competently. This includes prescribed plant licences and OH&S Induction card (White Card NSW or Blue if obtained in QLD). ❯ Ensure copies of operator tickets/licences are current and available on site. ❯ Ensure the operator is given clear instructions on site.	1	3	L	Plant Manager Site Supervisor Plant Operator
2.	Communication	Loss of visibility	3	3	M	❯ Minimum 2-man work crew unless visible to each other – hand signals can be used. ❯ If not visible, radios to be used at all times.	2	2	L	Plant Manager Site Supervisor All HWB Workers
3.	Controlled Barge Movements	Spud set up	2	3	M	❯ Walking barge on spuds – one spud at a time. ❯ Ensure barge is secured on another spud while rotating. ❯ Correct lifting equipment to be used – inspect spud while lifting.	2	2	L	Plant Manager Site Supervisor All HWB Workers

3.	Work Punt Movements	Straps or Engine not prepared	3	4	H	❯ Check all ropes and ratchet straps are secure and in good condition. ❯ Complete engine check and ensure adequate fuel on board for the proposed trip. ❯ Exercise caution to avoid fingers and limbs being caught between structures/piles and the barge. ❯ Note access & egress points when entering and exiting the vessel.	2	2	L	Site Supervisor All HWB Workers
4.	Planned Move or Trip with Barge	Water Depth	2	3	M	❯ Check the water depth – ensure enough water to position the barge correctly. ❯ Spuds must be long enough to secure barge when it arrives.	2	2	L	Plant Operator Site Foreman Superintendent
		Noise & Vibration	5	3	H	❯ Personnel to wear appropriate PPE – ear protection and ensure windows/doors are closed. ❯ If required, decibel readings to be undertaken to determine correct PPE.	4	2	M	Site Supervisor Plant Operator All Plant Workers
		Hazardous Material, Spills	2	4	M	❯ It is the responsibility of both the client and operator to implement satisfactory measures to manage environmental risks (e.g. spill kits). ❯ All operators must notify the client immediately if any environmental issue occurs (e.g. spills of hazardous materials). ❯ Clean and contain spills as soon as possible.	2	2	M	Site Supervisor Plant Operator

5.	Maintenance	Crushing Hazardous material spills Collision	2	3	M	❯ Refer to HWB Marine Plant Maintenance SWMS. ❯ Ensure that the fitter is inducted into the requirements of the client’s WHS plan. ❯ Fitter must notify foreman and plant operators that work is taking place. ❯ Check with foreman if a designated area is available for machine maintenance and use that area if required. ❯ Working from ladders is prohibited.	2	2	L	Plant Operator Fitter
6.	Refuelling	Crushing Hazardous material spills Collision	2	3	M	❯ Ensure vessel is switched off during refuelling. ❯ No smoking or naked flames when refuelling. ❯ Ensure the fuel cap is replaced after refuelling and before starting the machine again. ❯ Check that no fuel has been spilled over rails or steps, etc. ❯ Refer to HWB Marine Plant Maintenance SWMS.	2	2	L	Plant Operator Fitter

Appendix 1: Journey Log including Call-in Procedure

This procedure relies on staff ensuring timely and effective communication with a nominated call-in person (1st Contact) based on the detailed call-in schedule outlined below. Where multiple staff are operating together, one staff member will be designated as the responsible party to avoid assumptions about call-in responsibility.

The standard procedure is for the staff member’s direct manager to be assigned as 1st Contact and send a text message to the field staff at each designated check-in time. If the staff member does not acknowledge the text within 1 hour, the 1st Contact must call the field staff. If this is unsuccessful, they must attempt to contact another field contact (if applicable) and repeat the procedure.

The Journey Log must be prepared carefully and consider limited communications availability (e.g. mobile reception) in areas travelling to and from fieldworks and where fieldworks are undertaken. The journey log will specify contact details for field staff (name, phone number, email, etc.).

Call-in Schedule

Text message/phone call to 1st Contact before departing office/home. 1st Contact to acknowledge within 1 hour.
Text message/phone call to 1st Contact upon arrival and/or at 2-hour intervals (if applicable). 1st Contact to acknowledge within 1 hour.
Text message/phone call to 1st Contact before departing site. 1st Contact to acknowledge within 1 hour.
Text message/phone call to 1st Contact upon arrival to accommodation/home and/or at 2-hour intervals (if applicable). 1st Contact to acknowledge within 1 hour.

Should the 1st Contact not respond within the designated time, refer to the additional 2nd contacts:

Admin Manager.
If there is no response within the designated time, refer to Table 2: Emergency Response Procedure.
If the field staff does not call in at the designated time, refer to Table 2: Emergency Response Procedure.

Appendix 2: Emergency Response Procedure

The emergency response procedure is an office-based system designed to protect field staff in the event of an incident. The nominated call-in person (1st Contact) must notify HWB’s director and the course of action going forward must be agreed upon with a director. If warranted, the SES will be contacted. If required, the staff member’s next of kin will be contacted.

If triggered by an emergency phone call, appropriate immediate action will be taken depending on the severity and urgency of the incident. The nominated call-in person must notify HWB’s director and agree the course of action with a director. If warranted, the SES will be contacted. If required, the staff member’s next of kin will be contacted.

If triggered by the failure of field staff to notify the nominated call-in person at the designated time, the actions set out in the following table will be taken. These actions are designed to establish contact with the field staff to ensure their safety, followed by contacting emergency services if contact cannot be established. The table is based on the scenario where communication cannot be established with the staff and the SES needs to be contacted.

Table 2: Emergency Response Actions

Event	Action
Field staff fails to make contact at designated call-in time.	1st Contact calls field staff.
1st Contact cannot reach the field staff.	1st Contact sends SMS to field staff asking for urgent reply.
No reply from field staff within 30 minutes.	1st Contact calls 2nd Contact to establish whether and when they were last in contact with field staff, then attempts to establish contact with field staff again.
No assurance that staff are safe; no reply from field staff.	1st Contact calls the client on site (if applicable) or accommodation. Ask if there are pubs, clubs or likely venues field staff might visit and contact those as well. Continue trying to establish direct contact with field staff.
No assurance that staff are safe; no reply from field staff.	1st Contact calls the field staff’s emergency contact to determine whether and when they were last in contact. Continue trying to establish direct contact with field staff.
No assurance that staff are safe; no reply from field staff.	Attempt to establish direct contact with field staff one last time. If unsuccessful, contact emergency services.