SWMS - Pergola / Carport Builder Example
Example document for SWMS - Pergola / Carport Builder. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: SWMS - Pergola / Carport Builder
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
Company Details
Company Name: Aussie Outdoor Structures Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Address: 10 Trade Street, Brunswick, VIC Contact Person: Bob Smith Phone: 0412 345 678
Job Details
Job Address/Location: 25 Sunny Lane, Richmond, VIC Client Name: Mr. & Mrs. Jones Date of Work: 15/10/2023 to 20/10/2023 Supervisor: Bob Smith
High Risk Construction Work Activity
Description: Construction of 6m x 3m timber pergola and attached carport roof. Specific High Risk Tasks:
- Working at heights over 2 metres
- Operating powered mobile plant (Mini excavator)
Step by Step Tasks, Hazards and Controls
| Step / Task | Hazards & Risks | Risk Rating (Before) | Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls) | Risk Rating (After) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Service Location | Striking underground mains power. | H | 1. Called 'Before You Dig Australia'. Plans received.<br>2. Marked underground services with paint.<br>3. Hand digging only within 500mm of marked line. | L |
| 2. Excavating Footings | Excavator striking operator. Sides collapsing. | H | 1. Operator is ticketed.<br>2. Spotter used to guide operator.<br>3. Exclusion zone around plant.<br>4. Ground is stable clay (no shoring needed for 900mm depth). | L |
| 3. Erecting Posts | Falling from ladder. Back injury. | M | 1. Used 1.5m A-frame ladder tied off at top.<br>2. Two workers to lift post (Team lift).<br>3. Braced posts immediately after plumbing. | L |
| 4. Fixing Ledger Plate | Fall from height (2.5m). | H | 1. Scissor lift used to access fascia.<br>2. Operator wearing harness clipped to lift point.<br>3. Work area barricaded below. | L |
| 5. Installing Rafters | Falling off ladder while holding rafter. | H | 1. Used 2.4t telehandler to lift rafters.<br>2. Two workers on scaffold to receive rafters.<br>3. No one working underneath load. | L |
| 6. Roofing | Falling through rafters. Material blow-off. | H | 1. Temporary roof ply platform used for install.<br>2. Harnesses worn and clipped to structural beams.<br>3. Polycarbonate sheets weighed down immediately. | L |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Helmet (White)
- Hi-Vis Shirt (Orange)
- Steel Cap Boots
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection (Muffs)
- UV Protection
Emergency Procedures
Nearest Hospital: Epworth Hospital Richmond - 03 9426 6666 First Aid Kit: Located in site Ute
Sign-off
| Print Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Smith | [Signed] | 15/10/2023 |
| John Doe | [Signed] | 15/10/2023 |
| Mike Lee | [Signed] | 15/10/2023 |
Notes
This example demonstrates a completed SWMS for a typical residential pergola job. Note how the high-risk work (heights and excavation) is identified. The control measures are specific (e.g., 'Scissor lift' rather than just 'EWP'). The risk rating drops from High (H) to Low (L) after controls are applied.
About this Example
Part of the SWMS - Pergola / Carport Builder document collection
Document Type
SWMS - Pergola / Carport Builder
This SWMS is required for builders constructing pergolas, carports, and outdoor structures. It covers high-risk construction work including working at heights, excavating footings, and operating mobile plant.