SWMS - Carpenter / Formwork Carpenter Example
Example document for SWMS - Carpenter / Formwork Carpenter. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: SWMS - Carpenter / Formwork Carpenter
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
Company / Project Details
Company Name: BuildRight Constructions Pty Ltd
Project / Site Address: 42 Smith Street, Parramatta NSW
Date of Issue: 12/10/2023
Task Description: Installation of suspended slab formwork for first floor residential unit.
SWMS No: SWMS-FORM-001
1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
High-Risk Construction Work Checklist
Is this activity High-Risk Construction Work? (Tick all that apply)
[X] Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres [ ] Work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres [ ] Work in or near a confined space [ ] Work on or near traffic corridors [X] Work using, or adjacent to, powered mobile plant (Forklift) [ ] Work near overhead electrical lines
Task Breakdown, Hazards, Risks, and Controls
| Job Steps / Tasks | Potential Hazards / Risks | Risk Rating (Before Controls) | Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls) | Risk Rating (After Controls) | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :--- | :---:: | | 1. Pre-start | | | | | | Unloading formwork props from truck | Crush injury from falling props, back strain | High | Engin: Use forklift to unload. Admin: Keep clear zone. PPE: Steel caps. | Low | | 2. Setup | | | | | | Erecting modular scaffolding for edge protection | Fall from height, collapse | High | Engin: Scaffold built by licensed scaffolder, tagged green. Admin: Handover received. | Low | | 3. Formwork Installation | | | | | | Carrying plywood and joists up ladder | Falling from ladder, dropping load on others | High | Elim: Use EWP or material hoist to lift ply. Admin: If using ladder, secure top/bottom. | Low | | Setting up props and joists | Pinch fingers from props, falling from edge | Medium | Admin: Ensure 2 person lift for joists. Engin: Use string lines to mark edge. | Low | | Fixing ply with nail gun | Puncture wounds, eye injury from nail recoil | Medium | Engin: Use sequential trigger nail gun. PPE: Safety glasses. | Low | | Cutting ply to fit around penetrations | Dust inhalation, noise, cuts | Medium | Engin: Use circular saw with dust extraction. PPE: P2 mask, ear muffs. | Low | | 4. Pour Readiness | | | | | | Checking formwork integrity | Collapse of formwork under load | Critical | Admin: Engineer sign-off obtained. Visual inspection of props and bracing. | Low | | 5. Pack Up | | | | | | Dismantling formwork after cure | Falls through voids, falling debris | High | Admin: Exclusion zone below. Tag line for lowering props. | Low |
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
[X] Safety Helmet (White) [X] High Visibility Clothing (Orange) [X] Safety Boots (Composite cap) [X] Eye Protection (Clear glasses) [X] Hearing Protection (Class 5) [X] Cut Resistant Gloves (Level 2) [X] Dust Mask (P2) [X] Sun Protection
3. Safe Work Procedures (Specific Instructions)
Manual Handling:
- Props are heavy (approx 15kg). Lift with partner.
- Do not carry plywood up ladders alone.
Working at Heights:
- Scaffold edge protection must be completed before stepping onto formwork bearers.
- Harness and lanyard to be worn when tying steel or fixing edge ply.
Power Tools:
- Nail guns set to sequential mode.
- Circular saws to have riving knife and blade guard.
Formwork Specifics:
- Engineer drawing SW-005 is kept in site office.
- Props must be braced in both directions.
- Do not walk on green concrete after pour.
4. Emergency Procedures
Emergency Contacts:
- Site Supervisor: John Smith - 0412 345 678
- Emergency Services: 000
- Nearest Hospital: Westmead Hospital
5. Training, Licences and Competency
[X] General Construction Induction Card (White Card) [X] Working at Heights Training (Verified) [X] Scaffold High Risk Work Licence (Licenced Scaffolder on site) [ ] EWP High Risk Work Licence (Not using EWP) [X] Forklift Licence (Licenced Forklift driver on site)
6. Sign Off
| Worker Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mark J. | Signature | 12/10/23 |
| Sarah L. | Signature | 12/10/23 |
| David B. | Signature | 12/10/23 |
Principal Contractor / PCBU Representative Approval
Name: John Smith Signature: J. Smith Date: 12/10/23
Notes
This example demonstrates a completed SWMS for a specific high-risk task (suspended slab formwork). Note how the hazards are specific to the task (e.g., falling props, dust from cutting ply). The control measures reference specific engineering (scaffolding tags) and administrative actions (engineer sign-off).
About this Example
Part of the SWMS - Carpenter / Formwork Carpenter document collection
Document Type
SWMS - Carpenter / Formwork Carpenter
This SWMS is required for carpenters and formworkers undertaking high-risk construction work, including forming and pouring concrete at heights, using power tools, and handling heavy loads.