SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)

Company / Project Details

Company Name: [COMPANY NAME]

ABN: [ABN NUMBER]

Project / Site Address: [SITE ADDRESS]

Date of Issue: [DATE]

Task Description: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TASK, E.G., RESIDENTIAL FRAMING, SUSPENDED SLAB FORMWORK]

SWMS No: [SWMS NUMBER]

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1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

High-Risk Construction Work Checklist

Is this activity High-Risk Construction Work? (Tick all that apply)

[ ] 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 [ ] Work using, or adjacent to, powered mobile plant [ ] 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 | | | | | | Site induction and access | Slips, trips, falls, site traffic | Medium | Admin: Conduct site induction. PPE: Wear Hi-Vis, safety boots. Engin: Signage, barriers around traffic areas. | Low | | Manual handling of tools / materials | Muscle strain, back injury | High | Elim: Deliver materials close to work area. Engin: Use trolleys or forklifts. Admin: Team lifting for heavy loads. | Low | | 2. Setup | | | | | | Erecting scaffolding / edge protection | Falls from height, collapse | High | Engin: Use prefabricated scaffolds tagged by competent person. Elim: Install edge protection before working at height. Admin: Scaffolder certificate required. | Low | | Cutting timber / concrete | Noise, dust, eye injury, cuts | High | Engin: Use dust extraction or wet cutting. Admin: Keep area clear. PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, P2 mask. | Low | | 3. Formwork / Carpentry Tasks | | | | | | Fixing formwork / framing | Nail gun injuries, cuts, falls | High | Engin: Use sequential triggers on nail guns. Admin: Maintain safe distance from others. PPE: Cut resistant gloves if applicable. | Low | | Working at heights on formwork decks | Falls through formwork, falls over edge | High | Engin: Install perimeter screen mesh. Admin: Do not leave tools loose on deck. PPE: Full body use and lanyard if travelling restraint required. | Low | | Pouring concrete (if applicable) | Collapse of formwork, chemical burns | High | Engin: Formwork certified by engineer. Pour rate monitored. PPE: Rubber gloves, goggles, gumboots. | Low | | 4. Pack Up | | | | | | Dismantling formwork | Falling debris, structural instability | High | Admin: Establish exclusion zone below. Engin: Lower materials with ropes or hoist, do not throw. | Low | | Cleaning tools and site | Cuts, lacerations | Low | Admin: Ensure guards are on tools. PPE: Safety gloves. | Low |

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2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

List all PPE required for this specific job:

[ ] Safety Helmet (Class 1, 2 or 3 as required) [ ] High Visibility Clothing (Class D or N) [ ] Safety Boots (Steel cap/composite) [ ] Eye Protection (Safety glasses/goggles) [ ] Hearing Protection (Ear muffs/plugs) [ ] Cut Resistant Gloves [ ] Dust Mask (P1/P2 for concrete/wood dust) [ ] Sun Protection (Hat, sunscreen, long sleeves) [ ] High Visibility Rain Gear (if wet weather) [ ] Fall Arrest Use (for specific tasks)

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3. Safe Work Procedures (Specific Instructions)

Manual Handling:

• Check load weight before lifting.
• Bend knees and keep back straight.
• Ask for help with loads over [WEIGHT, E.G., 15KG].

Working at Heights:

• Edge protection must be installed before work starts.
• Ladders must be tied off at top and bottom.
• Never work from the top 2 rungs of a ladder.

Power Tools:

• Inspect tools for damage before use.
• Ensure all guards are in place and functioning.
• Remove battery pack or unplug before changing blades.

Formwork Specifics:

• Engineer drawings must be on site.
• Props must be plumb and braced correctly.
• Do not exceed specified pour rates.
• Ensure adequate curing time before stripping.

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4. Emergency Procedures

Emergency Contacts:

• Site Supervisor: [NAME] - [PHONE]
• Emergency Services: 000
• Nearest Hospital: [HOSPITAL NAME]

Incident Reporting:

• All incidents, no matter how small, must be reported to the Supervisor immediately.
• Complete an incident report form.

First Aid:

• First Aid Kit located at: [LOCATION]
• First Aid Officer: [NAME]

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5. Training, Licences and Competency

Confirm that workers undertaking these tasks hold the necessary licences and training:

[ ] General Construction Induction Card (White Card) [ ] Working at Heights Training [ ] Scaffold High Risk Work Licence (if erecting scaffolding > 4m) [ ] EWP High Risk Work Licence (if using boom type lift > 11m) [ ] Forklift Licence (if operating forklift) [ ] Asbestos Awareness (if working on pre-1990 buildings)

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6. Sign Off

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the contents of this SWMS and agree to adhere to the safe work methods outlined.

Worker Name	Signature	Date
[WORKER 1]		[DATE]
[WORKER 2]		[DATE]
[WORKER 3]		[DATE]

Principal Contractor / PCBU Representative Approval

Name: [NAME] Signature: ______________________ Date: [DATE]

Review Date: This SWMS must be reviewed if there is a change to the work, a change to site conditions, or if an incident occurs.