Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Company/Business Name: [COMPANY NAME] ABN: [ABN] Job Title: Deck Builder Location of Works: [SITE ADDRESS] Date Prepared: [DATE] Date of Review: [DATE]

1. Details of High-Risk Construction Work

Is this High-Risk Construction Work? [YES/NO] Note: Work is high-risk if it involves a fall risk over 2m, excavation, or use of powered mobile plant.

Description of Work: [Provide a brief description of the deck to be built. Include size, height from ground, material type (timber/steel/composite), and site specifics like slope or access issues.]

Site Specifics:

• Ground Conditions: [e.g. Concrete, grass, clay, sloping]
• Public Access: [e.g. Adjacent to footpath, school, private property]
• Overhead Hazards: [e.g. Powerlines, trees]
• Underground Services: [e.g. Dial Before You Dig reference number]

2. Persons Responsible

Principal Contractor: [NAME] Site Supervisor: [NAME] Emergency Contact: [NAME] - [PHONE NUMBER]

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Job Step / Task	Potential Hazards	Risks (H/M/L)	Existing Controls	Initial Risk Rating (H/M/L)
Site Setup & Delivery	manual handling, vehicle movement, uneven ground	strains, crush injuries	traffic management, PPE	[RATING]
Excavation for Footings	underground services, collapse of excavation, falls	electric shock, entrapment, falls	Dial Before You Dig, battering of banks	[RATING]
Setting Out & Levelling	trip hazards, tool use, UV radiation	cuts, eye damage, skin cancer	hats, sunscreen, tool inspection	[RATING]
Installing Bearers & Joists	working at heights, falling objects, manual handling	falls, crush injuries	scaffolding, edge protection, mechanical aids	[RATING]
Fixing Decking Boards	noise, nail gun injuries, falls	hearing loss, puncture wounds	ear muffs, sequential trigger nail guns, fall protection	[RATING]
Stair Construction & Handrails	falls, unstable structure, incorrect height	serious injury, fatality	temp barriers, compliance with AS 1657	[RATING]
Cutting & Finishing	dust, noise, kickback from saws	respiratory disease, hearing loss, amputation	dust extraction, RCDs, push sticks	[RATING]
Clean Up & Waste Removal	manual handling, sharps, fatigue	cuts, strains	bins, teamwork	[RATING]

4. Control Measures

Hierarchy of Controls

1. Elimination

• Can the work be done from the ground? (e.g. pre-fabricating sections)

2. Substitution

• Use lighter materials where possible to reduce manual handling.
• Use battery operated tools to reduce trip hazards from cords.

3. Engineering

• Fall Protection: Install perimeter scaffolding or edge protection before work commences at height.
• Mechanical Aids: Use pallet jacks, trolleys, or cranes to move heavy timbers.
• Electrical: Use Portable Residual Current Devices (RCDs) on all power leads.

4. Administrative

• Signage: Display mandatory warning signs (PPE, No Entry, Height Work).
• Induction: All workers must complete site induction.
• Exclusion Zones: Keep non-essential personnel away from work zones.
• Weather: Stop work during high winds or electrical storms.
• Manual Handling: Store materials at waist height to minimize bending.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Safety Helmet (AS/NZS 1801)
• High Visibility Clothing (AS/NZS 4602)
• Safety Boots (AS/NZS 2210)
• Eye Protection (AS/NZS 1337)
• Hearing Protection (AS/NZS 1270)
• Cut Resistant Gloves (when handling timber)
• Sun Protection (Hat, sunscreen, long sleeves)
• Dust Mask (P2) when cutting or sanding

5. Safe Work Method Sequence

Step 1: Site Setup & Induction

1. [Describe arrival, parking, and site perimeter setup]
2. [Describe tool and equipment inspection checklist]
3. [Describe the induction process for workers]

Step 2: Material Handling

1. [Describe how materials are offloaded and moved to the work area]
2. [Describe stacking of materials to ensure stability]

Step 3: Construction of Substructure

1. [Describe marking out and excavation for stump holes]
2. [Describe concreting stumps and ensuring set time]
3. [Describe installation of bearers and joists]

Step 4: Decking Surface

1. [Describe installation of boards from a stable platform]
2. [Describe nailing/screwing patterns to prevent squeaks]

Step 5: Finishing

1. [Describe installation of handrails and balustrades to meet NCC/BCA]
2. [Describe sanding and coating processes]

6. Emergency Procedures

Fire: [Instruction on location of extinguishers and assembly point] First Aid: [Location of First Aid Kit and name of First Aid Officer] Serious Injury: [Call 000, do not move patient unless in danger] Site Contact: [NAME] - [PHONE NUMBER] Nearest Hospital: [HOSPITAL NAME AND ADDRESS]

7. Training and Competency

Required Licences/Certificates:

• White Card (General Construction Induction)
• High Risk Work Licence (if using forklift/boom)
• Scaffolding Ticket (if erecting scaffolding > 4m)

Tool Specific Training:

• Nail Guns (Manufacturer training)
• Circular Saws (Competent person check)

8. Review and Monitoring

This SWMS will be reviewed:

• When a change occurs to the work method.
• When a new hazard is identified.
• If an incident or near miss occurs.
• At least every 2 years or sooner if legislation changes.

Monitoring:

• [NAME] will conduct regular site inspections to ensure compliance.

9. Sign-Off

I have read and understood the contents of this SWMS. I agree to follow all control measures.

Worker Name	Signature	Date
[WORKER 1]	[SIGN]	[DATE]
[WORKER 2]	[SIGN]	[DATE]
[WORKER 3]	[SIGN]	[DATE]
[WORKER 4]	[SIGN]	[DATE]

Principal Contractor / PCBU Representative: Name: [NAME] Signature: ______________________ Date: ______________________