SWMS - Stonemason

Company/Business Name: [Insert Company Name] ABN: [Insert ABN] Site Address: [Insert Site Address] Date of Preparation: [DD/MM/YYYY]

1. JOB DETAILS

Project Title: [Insert Project Title] Specific Location of Work: [Insert specific location e.g. Kitchen, Bathroom, Exterior Facade] Date(s) of Work: From [Start Date] to [End Date] Description of High Risk Construction Work:

• Working at heights greater than 2.0 metres
• Manual handling of loads over 25kg (stone slabs)
• Use of powered mobile plant (e.g. forklift, scissor lift)
• Work with silica generating processes (cutting, grinding, polishing)
• Structural alterations

2. PERSONNEL & TRAINING

Principal Contractor: [Insert Name/Company] PCBU/Site Supervisor: [Insert Name] Phone Number: [Insert Phone]

Worker Signatures:

Worker Name	Signature	Date	Induction Date	License No. (if applicable)
[Name]
[Name]

3. TASK BREAKDOWN

List the high-risk activities in sequence.

1. [Task 1 e.g. Delivery and handling of stone slabs]
2. [Task 2 e.g. Site preparation and dust barrier setup]
3. [Task 3 e.g. Cutting stone to size]
4. [Task 4 e.g. Installation at height]
5. [Task 5 e.g. Grinding and polishing]

4. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION & RISK ASSESSMENT

High Risk Activity	Hazards	Risks	Risk Rating (Before Controls)	Risk Rating (After Controls)
Lifting stone slabs	Crush injury, back strain, sprain/strain	Fractures, musculoskeletal disorder	High	Low
Cutting stone (wet/dry)	Silica dust, noise, vibration, rotating parts	Silicosis, hearing loss, HAVS, amputation	Extreme	Low
Working on scaffold/ladders	Falls from height, collapse of structure	Death, serious injury	High	Low
Using angle grinders	Kickback, projectile debris, eye injuries	Lacerations, eye damage	High	Medium
Chemical use (sealers/adhesives)	Skin irritation, inhalation of fumes	Dermatitis, respiratory issues	Medium	Low

5. CONTROL MEASURES (HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS)

General Controls

• Implement site induction for all workers.
• Display current SWMS in a visible location.
• Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation.
• Maintain clear access ways and emergency exits.
• First aid kit located at [Insert Location].

Specific Controls by Hazard

Manual Handling & Lifting

• Elimination: Order stone in sizes that can be handled mechanically or by one person.
• Substitution: Use lighter-weight materials where possible.
• Engineering: Use trolleys, slab lifters, vacuum lifters, or scissor lifts.
• Admin: Implement team lifting techniques (only if mechanical aids not possible). Limit duration of lifting tasks.
• PPE: Safety boots, gloves.

Silica Dust (Cutting, Grinding, Drilling)

• Elimination: Do not cut on site if possible (pre-cut offsite). Note: Engineered stone processing is prohibited in Australia.
• Engineering: ALWAYS use wet cutting methods with continuous water flow to suppress dust. Use tools attached to on-tool dust extraction (Class H or M HEPA filter). Use water suppression on grinders.
• Admin: Keep workers away from the cutting arc (exclusion zone). Do not use dry cutting. Clean up slurry/water with a HEPA vacuum or wet sweeping methods (no dry sweeping).
• PPE: P2 or P3 respirator fit-tested to the face. Safety glasses.

Working at Heights

• Elimination: Prefabricate sections at ground level.
• Engineering: Use scaffolds tagged by a competent person. Use Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
• Admin: Develop a Fall Rescue Plan. Inspect equipment daily.
• PPE: Full body use with lanyard (when working in boom or if required by scaffold design). Hard hat.

Plant & Equipment

• Admin: Isolate power sources (Lock Out Tag Out) before changing blades or clearing blockages.
• PPE: Hearing protection, safety glasses.

6. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• Safety Helmet (Class 1 or 2)
• High Visibility Clothing
• Safety Boots (Steel cap/composite)
• Eye Protection (Safety glasses/goggles)
• Hearing Protection (Ear muffs/plugs)
• Dust Mask (P2/P3 for silica)
• Cut Resistant Gloves (when handling stone)
• Sun Protection (if working outdoors)

7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• Emergency Contact: 000
• Nearest Hospital: [Insert Hospital Name]
• First Aid Officer: [Insert Name]
• Emergency Assembly Point: [Insert Location]
• Fire Extinguishers located at: [Insert Location]
• Spill Procedure: Contain spill using absorbent material, prevent entry to drains, dispose of as chemical waste.
• Rescue at Heights: Ensure access to the ground is available. Do not enter the exclusion zone during an incident until plant is stabilized.

8. SIGN-OFF

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have read and understood this SWMS and agree to comply with all control measures listed.

Prepared by: ______________________ Date: _________ (Principal Contractor/PCBU Representative)

Accepted by: ______________________ Date: _________ (Site Supervisor/Client)

Worker Declaration:

Name	Signature	Date