SWMS AUS

Manual Handling (Arborist and Tree Work)

Manual handling in tree work - dragging brush, lifting and rolling timber rounds, loading green waste and handling chainsaws and rigging gear.

SWMS template. Editable Word document, written for your state, ready to adapt to the job.

Objective

Complete the work safely by controlling musculoskeletal strains, crush from rolling timber and biological exposure through mechanical aids, team lifts, safe technique and task rotation.

This is the Arborist and Tree Work version. The hazards and controls are written around arborist and tree work work, so it differs from the other 104 trade versions of Manual Handling. Compare all 105.

Your state's laws, in the document

Each state version references the Act, regulator, and requirements for the state you select. Victoria gets the OHS Act and WorkSafe Victoria, NSW gets the WHS Act and SafeWork NSW.

NSW WHS Act 2011 VIC OHS Act 2004 QLD WHS Act 2011 SA WHS Act 2012 WA WHS Act 2020 TAS WHS Act 2012 NT WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 ACT WHS Act 2011 National Model WHS Act (national)

When you'd use this SWMS

If manual handling (arborist and tree work) is part of your job, the builder or head contractor will usually want a SWMS for it before you start on site. This one's editable in Word. Add your company and site details, check the hazards and controls against the actual job, and get your crew to sign on before work starts.

Not sure whether you need one? When a SWMS is required covers it, and the 18 high risk construction work categories are the list a principal contractor works from.

Doing the whole trade? The Arborist and Tree Work pack bundles this with the rest and works out cheaper. New to it? Here's what goes in a SWMS.

Related SWMS

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Chipping branches & limbs through a powered wood chipper, controlling the fatal drag-in hazard at the infeed plus thrown debris & noise.

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Arborist & Tree Work - Master SWMS

Master

All arboricultural works including pruning, removal, climbing, elevating work platform (EWP) access, rigging, sectional dismantling, chainsaw operations and chipping where a task-specific SWMS is not required.

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Tree Climbing & Rigging

Rope-access tree climbing and rigging operations - ascent, work positioning, limb removal and sectional dismantling using rigging systems.

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Tree Trimming (EWP & Rope Work)

Tree pruning and trimming from EWPs and by rope access, including chainsaw use at height and limb lowering near targets and powerlines.

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$49.99/state

Select your state to purchase

Better value All 15 in the Arborist and Tree Work pack $249.99 for all 15 See the pack →

GST-inclusive. Instant download. Tax invoice provided.

Last review: 4 September 2026

Editable .docx format

Need a safety document we don’t have?

Our catalogue covers 105 trades, but not every job fits one. If a principal contractor has asked for something specific, or the work you do is not in the list, we write it from scratch for your trade and your state. Same format as everything else here: editable Word, your state's Act and regulator, ready to put your details on. We can also brand your SWMS pack with your logo and company details. We’ll write it for you →