The obligation
Duty holders must prepare health and safety coordination plans and safe work method statements before commencing excavation work.
Part 3 of the code sets out pre-work planning obligations: identifying hazards, preparing a Health and Safety Coordination Plan (HSCP) for prescribed work, and completing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). Templates are included in the code. Failure to plan adequately before breaking ground is a breach of the OHS Act 2004 (Vic) and OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic). Designers must identify and communicate foreseeable hazards to constructors.
- What
- Duty holders must prepare health and safety coordination plans and safe work method statements before commencing excavation work.
- Source
- worksafe.vic.gov.au
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Labels
excavation
SWMS
HSCP
planning
OHS Act 2004
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Planning requirements for excavation work (Vic) is a WHS requirement set out in Excavation (VIC). It is made under Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC). The relevant provision is Excavation > Planning.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Planning requirements for excavation work (Vic) is a WHS obligation under Excavation (VIC). In short, Duty holders must prepare health and safety coordination plans and safe work method statements before commencing excavation work.
What changed recently?
Planning requirements for excavation work (Vic) was last updated on 8 October 2026.
