What this SWMS covers
Feral animal culling on construction sites addresses significant safety and operational risks posed by introduced species that interfere with construction activities, damage equipment, and threaten worker safety. This Safe Work Method Statement establishes comprehensive procedures for the safe and humane control of feral animals including wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs, goats, rabbits, and deer that frequently inhabit construction sites, particularly in rural and regional areas. The procedures ensure compliance with firearm safety regulations, animal welfare standards, and environmental protection requirements while protecting construction workers from aggressive wildlife encounters.\n\nConstruction sites attract feral animals through disturbed ground, construction waste, temporary water sources, and easy access to food supplies from site amenities and waste disposal areas. Feral animals cause significant operational disruptions through equipment damage, material contamination, trench collapses from burrowing activities, and direct threats to worker safety. Professional culling operations require licensed operators with appropriate firearms training, animal welfare knowledge, and understanding of construction site hazards including mobile plant, electrical infrastructure, and confined spaces.\n\nThe SWMS covers multiple control methods including live trapping and relocation, baiting programmes, and selective culling using firearms. Each method requires specific safety protocols, equipment, and environmental considerations. Firearm operations demand particular attention to range establishment, backstop construction, ammunition selection, and emergency response procedures. All culling activities must comply with state and territory wildlife regulations, with operators holding appropriate licences and following humane treatment standards.\n\nSite preparation for feral animal control includes establishing exclusion zones, implementing safety barriers, and coordinating with construction activities to prevent worker exposure to control operations. The procedures establish clear communication protocols between pest control operators and construction personnel, ensuring all parties understand exclusion zones, safety signals, and emergency response requirements. Environmental considerations include protecting native wildlife, preventing secondary poisoning risks, and complying with endangered species protection requirements.\n\nThe SWMS addresses psychological impacts on workers involved in culling operations, providing support mechanisms for those affected by euthanasia procedures. Training requirements ensure all personnel understand feral animal behaviour, recognition of dangerous species, and appropriate response protocols for encounters. Emergency procedures cover both animal-related incidents and firearm malfunctions, with immediate access to medical facilities and wildlife authorities.\n\nCompliance with this SWMS demonstrates due diligence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, where PCBUs must manage biological hazards including feral animals. The procedures ensure construction sites maintain safe working environments despite proximity to wildlife populations, protecting both workers and the broader community from feral animal-related risks.
Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.
