Excavation Permit Template (Word) – WHS Safe Digging Australia
WHS-Compliant Excavation Permit for Construction, Civil & Maintenance Works
Excavation work is a high-risk construction activity under the Work Health and Safety Regulations. Before any ground is broken, a documented excavation permit is essential to identify hazards, verify controls, and authorise the work.
The JSEAsy Excavation Permit Template is a professionally developed, WHS-aligned Word document designed to help Australian businesses manage excavation and trenching activities safely and consistently.
This template supports compliance with Safe Work Australia guidance, including requirements for underground services identification, ground stability, access and egress, plant interaction, and emergency preparedness.
What This Excavation Permit Covers
The permit guides supervisors and workers through a structured pre-excavation approval process, including:
- Description and location of excavation works
- Scope of work and excavation depth
- Identification of underground services (Dial Before You Dig)
- Ground conditions and stability assessment
- Trenching and shoring requirements
- Plant and mobile equipment interaction
- Overhead hazards and exclusion zones
- Atmospheric hazards (where applicable)
- Environmental considerations
- Emergency response arrangements
- Authorisation, acceptance, and close-out
The format ensures hazards are identified, assessed, and controlled before work commences, consistent with the hierarchy of controls.
What You Receive
- Editable Microsoft Word (.docx) excavation permit
- Clear, plain-language structure suitable for site use
- Pre-filled WHS headings aligned with Australian legislation
- Easy customisation to suit site-specific conditions
- Immediate digital download after purchase
No subscriptions. No software required.
Who This Template Is For
This excavation permit is suitable for:
- Construction companies
- Civil and infrastructure contractors
- Utilities and services contractors
- Facilities maintenance teams
- Industrial and commercial sites
- Principal contractors and subcontractors
It is appropriate for trenches, pits, footings, service runs, and bulk excavations.
WHS & Safe Work Australia Alignment
This template has been developed to align with:
- Work Health and Safety Act
- Work Health and Safety Regulations (High Risk Construction Work – Excavation)
- Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Excavation Work
- Safe Work Australia guidance on permits and authorisation systems
It supports a permit-to-work system by ensuring excavation activities are:
- Properly planned
- Risk assessed
- Authorised by a competent person
- Communicated to all affected workers
How This Fits Into Your Safety System
This excavation permit is designed to work seamlessly with other JSEAsy safety documents, including:
- Excavation SWMS
- Trenching SWMS
- Underground Services Risk Assessment
- Confined Space Permit (where excavations meet confined space criteria)
- Hot Works Permit (if cutting or welding is involved)
- Traffic Management Plans
- Trench and Excavations Incident Emergency Response Procedure.
- Safe Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Plant and Equipment Risk Assessments (PERA)
- Managing Plant and Equipment
Using these documents together helps demonstrate a systematic and compliant approach to risk management.
Why Choose JSEAsy
- Developed specifically for Australian WHS requirements
- Trusted by thousands of businesses across construction, civil, and industrial sectors
- Practical, site-ready documents — not generic templates
- Designed by safety professionals who understand real-world worksites
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an excavation permit mandatory in Australia?
While legislation does not mandate a specific form, excavation is classified as high-risk construction work, and a permit-to-work system is recognised by Safe Work Australia as a strong control measure. Many principal contractors and site rules require a documented excavation permit before work begins.
Can this template be edited?
Yes. The permit is provided as an editable Word document, allowing you to tailor it to your site, scope, and company requirements.
Does this replace a SWMS?
No. An excavation permit complements — but does not replace — a SWMS or risk assessment. It acts as a final authorisation check before excavation starts.
Is this suitable for trenching work?
Yes. The permit includes prompts for trench depth, ground stability, shoring, and access/egress, making it suitable for trenching activities.
Can I use this across multiple sites?
Yes. Once purchased, you may use the template internally across your business for multiple projects.
Download Your Excavation Permit Template
Improve safety, demonstrate WHS compliance, and standardise excavation approvals across your sites.
Download the Excavation Permit Template (Word) now.