Planting & Soft Works Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Underground services — Obtain and review utility plans; scan with CAT/Genny and mark routes. Hand-dig trial holes to confirm depth/position. Set dig limits and no-mech zones near marks; use insulated tools as required. Stop on warning tape or anomalies and re-survey before work continues.
• Lighting / low light work — Plan daylight tasks first; if extending, provide compliant task and area lighting with glare control. Mark edges, pits and routes with reflective cones/tape. Use high-viz and head-torches for close work. Increase exclusion distances and slow movements; brief hand signals.
• Lone working — Use check-in procedures and defined end-of-shift calls; carry a charged phone and location details. Avoid higher-risk tasks alone (augering, bankside work). Share site address and access instructions for responders; set emergency contact and escalation times.
• Excavation collapse (small pits) — Assess ground stability and saturation; keep pits within required size and edge them with boards where friable. Store vertical tools away from edges. Manage spoil so it cannot roll back. Backfill in lifts, tamp to remove voids, and cordon pits when unattended.
• Working near water — Set planting lines back from edges; install temporary barriers or edge protection where feasible. Wear appropriate footwear and avoid over-reaching. Brief rescue plan, keep a throw line accessible, and work in pairs when adjacent to deeper or flowing water.