If you’re a landscaper in Australia, especially one quoting for commercial or government jobs, you’ve probably heard the term SWMS for landscaping thrown around. But what exactly is a SWMS, and do you really need one for your landscaping work? This guide answers the most common questions we get from landscapers, helping you stay compliant and win better jobs.
1. Do landscapers need a SWMS?
Yes, if you’re carrying out high-risk construction work (as defined by Safe Work Australia), a SWMS for landscaping is mandatory. Landscaping tasks involving powered tools, working near traffic, or excavation generally trigger this requirement. Even if it’s not technically required, having one shows professionalism and a strong safety culture.
2. What kind of landscaping jobs are considered high-risk?
There are a wide range of landscaping jobs that could include high-risk tasks, which require a landscaping swims to be in place. In fact, the majority of jobs need safety documentation to avoid risks and cover yourself and your team in a professional setting.
Examples include:
- Using chainsaws or brush cutters
- Working at heights (e.g. retaining walls, step installation)
- Operating plant or machinery
- Working near roads or public access areas
- Excavating or trenching
- Using powered tools (e.g. chainsaws, brush cutters, jackhammers)
- Digging, trenching, or excavating
- Working around utilities or traffic
- Operating machinery or elevated work platforms
If your job involves any of these, you’ll likely need a SWMS for landscaping. Even on small residential jobs, a SWMS may still be expected by principal contractors, councils, or insurance providers.
3. Who is responsible for creating the SWMS for Landscaping, me or the client?
If you’re the person conducting the business (PCBU), such as a subcontractor or sole trader, the responsibility falls on you. Head contractors may ask for your SWMS as part of onboarding or induction. Even if a builder provides a SWMS, you may still need to supply one that reflects your own work and risks.
When you’re running your own landscaping business, whether as a subcontractor, sole trader, or small crew, the responsibility for preparing the SWMS falls squarely on you as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) under WHS law. Even if you’re working under a larger builder or principal contractor, you’re still accountable for documenting how your specific tasks will be carried out safely.
It’s a common misconception that the head contractor’s SWMS will cover everything, but it rarely includes the nuances of your landscaping work. Their document might mention general site safety or high-level risks, but not things like:
- How your team uses machinery like bobcats or brush cutters
- Specific PPE you require
- Controls around excavation, tree removal, or retaining walls
Most head contractors or councils will request your SWMS for landscaping before work starts, not as a suggestion, but as a requirement to even step on site. If you show up without one, you may face delays, rejections, or worse, insurance or legal exposure if something goes wrong.
Having your own, tailored SWMS also shows clients you’re a serious professional who takes safety, and their project, seriously. It’s often the difference between winning a job or missing out in today’s compliance-driven environment.
4. What does a landscaping SWMS need to include?
A proper SWMS should cover:
- A description of the work
- Identified hazards
- Risk assessments
- Control measures (using the hierarchy of control)
- PPE required
- Responsibilities of workers
- Emergency procedures
The goal is to demonstrate that risks have been thought through and properly managed.
5. Can I use a generic SWMS for all my jobs?
Not ideally. A good SWMS for landscaping should reflect the specific risks of the job site and the tasks involved. However, a quality landscaping-specific template can save you hours and act as a compliant base you can customise.
✅ Need one now? Download our ready-to-use Landscaping SWMS Template here.
6. Do I need a different SWMS for different states?
No, a well-prepared SWMS based on the Model WHS Regulations will meet requirements in most Australian states and territories. However, it’s worth noting that Victoria and WA have slightly different approaches, so double-check with local regulators if unsure.
7. What happens if I don’t have a SWMS and something goes wrong?
You could face serious consequences, including:
- Breach of WHS laws
- Fines or stop-work orders
- Losing work with builders or councils
- Difficulty with insurance claims
Having a SWMS for landscaping isn’t just box-ticking it protects you and your workers from injury and loss of work. It’s a win-win situation when you have a professional SWMS, SOP suit and WHS Management Plan since you may win more contracts, protect your business from fines and insurance premium increases and help to ensure your team remains safe on the job.
8. Can I write my own SWMS?
Yes, but writing one from scratch can be time-consuming and confusing. You’ll need to follow WHS formatting and ensure it includes all required fields. That’s why many landscapers use professionally developed templates.
9. Where can I get a landscaping SWMS template?
You can get a SWMS for Landscaping right here:
👉 Download our Landscaping SWMS Template fully editable Word format, WHS compliant, and ready to use. If you run a team, you may want to include SOPs, workplace inductions and more to make your life that much easier.
We’ve helped hundreds of tradies and small businesses meet their safety obligations quickly and affordably.
👷♂️ Need More Than Landscaping?
We also offer all in one SWMS templates, access to a WHS management plan, Registers and Checklists, SOP’s and even workplace induction training for:
Safer Outcomes covers a wide range of industries, browse the full library: Find your Industry
Final Tip: Show Clients You’re Serious About Safety
When you submit a quote, attaching your SWMS for landscaping or mentioning that one will be prepared shows clients that you’re responsible, trustworthy, and compliant. Building enough trust with your client could mean the difference between you getting the job or your competitor.
It’s one small document that can win you big jobs.
