Safe Work Method Statements:

General Guidelines

HIA have developed some sample Safe Work Method Statements

(SWMS) and have included them in this appendix for members’
use. SWMS numbers 1 to 7 and 11 are intended for an
employer/employee situation and will provide documentation for a
‘safe system of work’ as well as a script or guide for an employer
to deliver ‘work activity induction’.

SWMS 8, 9 & 10 are typical of what a subcontractor (ie. a framing

carpenter) should provide to the principal contractor. They all
describe one method of doing a job and must be modified (where
necessary) to outline an individual tradesman’s preferred method
of work. Things that could cause significant harm must be
identified and a procedure outlined so that no one (either doing the
work or others on site) will be harmed. Signing the SWMS
without modification will mean that the person doing the work
agrees with its contents and is happy to follow the procedures
prescribed.
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Guidelines
OH&S Regulation 2001 requires SWMS to be provided for all “High Risk” activities
on any site, regardless of the cost of the project. On sites where the head contract is more than
$250,000, SWMS are required for all “High Risk” activities and for all other activities
assessed as having safety risks that could cause a “high degree of harm”. This also applies to
construction sites where the work involves, regardless of the cost, demolition or asbestos
removal and a licence is required. The Regulation requires the principal contractor to obtain
the SWMS from the sub-contractor before the work commences.

“High Risk” activities

a. work involving structural alterations that require structural support and
b. work at a height above three metres and
c. work involving excavation to a depth greater than 1.5 metres and
d. demolition work for which a demolition licence is not required and
e. construction work in tunnels
f. work near traffic or mobile plant and
g. work in or around gas or electrical installations
h. construction work over or adjacent to water where there is a risk of drowning

Safe work method statement (SWMS) is a statement that lists the step-by-step procedures of
a specific work activity or task, to document a safe work method. This involves identifying
and assessing hazards with a potential to cause a “high degree of harm” and recording
procedures to minimize, the risk to health and safety.

Assessment:
What is a “high degree of harm”?
The identified hazard is considered “high degree of harm” if it is assessed that it could kill,
cause permanent disability, long term illness or serious injury that could temporarily disable
you and therefore, should be included in the SWMS.

When assessing hazards you should ask the question:

While doing this job what could cause injury or sickness, either now or some time in the
future as a result of continual exposure? Consider –
• Noise, sunburn, high or low temperatures.
• Electricity or gas.
• Slips, trips or falls from height.
• Moving or falling objects.
• What could go wrong while doing this job
• How suitable are the things being used for the task.
• How do people use equipment and materials, is there a safer way.
• How could people be affected or hurt by noise, fumes, equipment, machinery or
tools etc.

The Regulation requires the SWMS to include:

1. a step by step description of how work is to be carried out, and
2. identification of the safety risks involved with each step that have a potential to cause a
“high degree of harm”, and
3. a description of the control measures that will be applied to the work activities, and
4. a description of the equipment used in the work, the standards or codes to be complied
with, and
5. a description of the qualifications required for the personnel to do the work

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A generic (not specific to any site) SWMS will list commonly used procedures and
associated hazards. Methods to control hazards will be described. Controls adopted must be
adequate for the purpose. The SWMS will demonstrate understanding of the general risks
involved in the work and proposed controls. The generic SWMS can be used on all jobs but
must be modified, as required, to include any site specific hazard.

A site specific SWMS must be established prior to commencement of work activity on site.
The principal contractor, or a representative, in conjunction with the sub-contractor
employee, will review the generic SWMS. Where site conditions are such that the
procedures listed require amendment, hazards are to be identified and controls added to the
generic SWMS. A “Site Specific SWMS” will then have been created to reflect the way the
job will actually be done on the specific site. If there are no additional hazards, the SWMS
should be noted accordingly and signed by the principal’s representative and the sub-
contractor or employee doing the work.

The SWMS provides a guide to be followed and a record to demonstrate compliance to

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation. The Sub-contractor or employee carring out the
work is responsible for implementing a particular action, as nominated on the SWMS. The
Principal contractor must provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to ensure that the
SWMS is being followed.

Controls should be applied, as practicality allows, in the following priority order.

1. Remove the hazard completely:
• eg. remove risk of electrocution by using power tools rated below 32 volts. BEST
2. Separate people from the hazard: CONTROL
• eg. use effective barriers & edge protection,
• eg. guards on power tools,
• eg. relocate or enclose noisy machinery.
3. Use an engineered control:
• eg. use earth leakage device (RCD) on electrical power source.
• eg. use a machine to lift heavy objects or request assistance.
• eg. use scaffolding rather than ladders to reduce risk of falls.
4. Change work practices:
• eg. training in manual handling & lifting techniques.
• eg. monitor, review, improve & develop safe work procedures (SWMS).
5. Provide personal protection equipment (PPE):
• eg. eyes, ears, head, respiratory, hands, skin, foot protection WORST
CONTROL
NOTE: PPE is the last resort to protect people from injury or illness.

Use of the SWMS:

The SWMS will be reviewed and signed by the Principal Contractor or representative
(supervisor) on the project and the person who is going to do the work. The person doing the
work must be appropriately qualified and competent in the work activity to be undertaken.
Signing of the SWMS, signifies that all persons involved in the work activity have read and
understood the SWMS and will follow the procedures and controls listed when carrying out
the work.

Work should not proceed until the people involved in the work have signed the
document.

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004. Page 2 of 2

 Safe Work Method Statement
Work Activity/Task: Project Name/No:
Codes/Standards applicable:
Principal Contractor:
Prepared by: Representative:
Signature: Sub-contractor:
Date: DFT Licence No:
Responsibility: The sub-contractor doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the sub-
contractor is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed
and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.
Item Job Step Identified Hazard and Controls
Break the job down Assessment What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.
into steps. What can cause a high degree
of harm?

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004 page 1 of 2

 Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will
need to be added to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls.

If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Principal Contractor or Representative Position Signature Date

Accepted by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Person doing the work Position Signature Date
© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004 page 2 of 2
 Safe Work Method Statement – No 010
Work Activity/Task: Erection of Roof Trusses Project Name/No:
Codes/Standards applicable: AS 1576-Scaffolding; COP Manual Handling;
AS6001 – Working Platforms for Domestic Construction; WorkCover Safety Principal Contractor:
Guide 4503, ‘Portable Ladders’; OHS Reg. 2001 cl 56 ‘Working at Heights’
Prepared by: Representative:
Signature: Sub-contractor:
Date: DFT Licence No:
Responsibility: The sub-contractor or person doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that
the sub-contractor or person doing the work is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make
sure the SWMS is being followed and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.
Item Job Step Identified Hazard and Controls
Break the job down Assessment What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.
into steps. What can cause a high degree
of harm?
1. Plan the work Slips, trips, falls, sprains, Ensure that:
strains, structural collapse, 1. Floor sheeting is complete and covers all areas below roofing activities, including stair voids, and is clear of all
falling objects. off cuts, debris etc. Note: If stair void is not covered with floor sheeting, other arrangements must be made to
arrest potential falls from the truss erection activities into the void
2. All wall frames are secured and fully nailed off and adequately braced with permanent and temporary bracing
to take all loads imposed during truss erection, including stockpiling trusses on top of walls.
3. Access to and from the floor area below the roof is clear of all debris and materials. Where ladders or ramps
are used they must be properly set up and secured.
4. Barricades and signage are positioned to delineate ‘no-go-zones’ below the truss installation activities,
warning of potential falling objects and prohibiting access during installation activities.
2. Erect work platforms Falls from heights, slips, Platforms may be erected on trestles or scaffolding or other systems complying with AS6001or AS1576.
trips, sprains, strains 1. erect work platform inside of perimeter truss bearing walls, two planks wide (min 450mm) and 1200mm below
top plate (height may be adjusted to provide a suitable working position for the truss/plate connection and
allow comfortable “ducking under” bottom chord of trusses)
2. Erect work platforms at mid span (or below panel points on top chord). Ensure that height is adequate to allow
installer to work at top chord to position longitudinal ties near the top chord panel points. Height of mid span
platforms should be 1950 mm (must not exceed 2000 mm from top of plank to floor). Platform should be two
planks wide (min 450 mm) and be supported at approx. 1800mm to minimise ‘bounce’.
3. Mark position of Falls from height Working from platform at load bearing perimeter walls, mark position of all trusses.
trusses on top plates
4. Load trusses on to Falls, slips, trips sprains Trusses should be stock piled by cranage onto the top plates which have been additionally braced to carry the extra
wall frames strains temporary load. Work should be planned so that trusses are arranged in sequence (as required by the
manufacturer’s instructions) to minimise manual handling during the truss standing process.

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 5. Standing trusses Falls, slips, trips, sprains, Trusses should be taken from the stock pile and carried to their positions by each of the installers working from
strains and structural collapse their respective work platforms. The standing process should proceed from the furthest point on the roof working
back towards the stock pile. This will minimise ‘ducking under’ trusses which have already been erected.

The first truss must be securely braced, straight and plumb at the panel points on the top and bottom chords. The
accuracy and security of the placement of the first truss will govern the accuracy and security of the subsequent
trusses. Manufacturer’s tolerance requirements for straightness must be complied with.

The standing operation should proceed ensuring each truss is securely fixed in position with fixings secured at each
panel point on the top and bottom chords. The temporary fixings may consist of temporary or permanent
longitudinal ties or proprietary brand spacers.

Where apex of trusses cannot be reached from existing work platforms, another platform (2 planks – min 450mm
wide) must be erected approx. 1200mm below the apex. (or a suitable working height from the apex) to allow a
longitudinal tie to be fixed along the full run of trusses at the apex. The platform may be erected by securing a
bearer to web members at approx. 1800mm centres. Work for this platform must be done from a temporary
platform erected on the bottom chord of the installed and secured trusses.

As the platform below the apex will be more than 2000mm above the floor, the longitudinal tie being attached will
act as an effective guardrail.

This platform and the previously constructed platforms must be used for the installation of speed bracing.

Note: the longitudinal tie at the apex should be solid timber to provide adequate compressive strength to give full
effect to the function of the diagonal speed bracing. If truss erection includes roof battens, the roof battens will
provide this strength. Otherwise, the roof must be made adequate to withstand wind loads and future construction
loads of following trades.
6. Install ancillary items Falls from the roof Install all ties, noggings, trimming, framing brackets and tie-downs. All work in this operation must be carried out
from the working platforms or off step ladders from the floor.
7. Remove work Sprains, strains, slips, trips, Remove work platforms in the reverse order that they were erected, working from step ladders from the floor
platforms falls below.
Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will
need to be added or modified to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls.

If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Principal Contractor or Representative Position Signature Date

Accepted by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Person doing the work Position Signature Date

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004 page 2 of 2

 Safe Work Method Statement – No 009
Work Activity/Task: Installation of Upper Floor Wall Frames Project Name/No:
Codes/Standards applicable: AS 1684 User Guide No. 2, Temporary Bracing; COP
Manual Handling; WorkCover Safety Guide 4503, ‘Portable Ladders’
OHS Regulation 2001, cl 56, Working at heights Principal Contractor:
Prepared by: Representative:
Signature: Sub-contractor:
Date: DFT Licence No:
Responsibility: The sub-contractor doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the sub-
contractor is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed
and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.
Item Job Step Identified Hazard and Controls
Break the job down Assessment What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.
into steps. What can cause a high degree
of harm?
1. Assess access and Slips, trips, falls, 1. Before ascending to the first floor level ensure fall protection at floor perimeter and stair void is in place, all
upper floor level area unsecured/unstable ground floor temporary bracing is adequate and secured to take the additional loads and that ‘no-go zones’ are
ladders/steps or ramps in place in areas where objects could fall from the 1st floor deck.
2. Secure ladder access to first floor ensuring that ladders are secured at the top and bottom (refer to WorkCover
Safety Guide 4503 ‘Portable Ladders’)
3. Clear/secure items that have potential for slips/trips etc. and remove items that may obstruct erection of frames
2. Unstrap frames from Crushing, falling objects, cuts 1. Ensure frames will not slide or fall when straps are cut (note: use tin snips or strap cutters for task)
bundle from straps 2. Straps should be cut so that they are prevented from striking the body when tension is suddenly released.
Straps should be placed in waste enclosure immediately
3. Carry frames to upper Slips, trips, sprains and 1. Assess the path (clear rubble, fill or bridge holes). Use original platform that was used for the installation of
floor level strains floor sheeting. Adjust edge protection to provide sufficient access to allow frames to be passed up to the floor
deck. Note: Edge protection must be reinstated after wall frames have been passed up
2. Assess the weight of frames (there is a high risk where a lifted weight exceeds 20 kg. per person). A 2.4m
high wall frame of radiata pine weighs approximately 11 kg. per lineal metre. If frames are too heavy for
manual handling deploy mechanical means of lifting (ie. crane)
3. If frames can be safely handled manually, persons handling the frames should lift frames using correct lifting
techniques (keeping back straight). Frames should be carried by the studs so that the frames will be in the
correct position (plates at top and bottom) when placed against the side of the house.
4. Hand frames up to persons above on upper floor level.
5. Persons on top deck must stay 500mm back from edge as those on ground lift and tilt frames towards them.
6. Persons on the upper floor level must hold the top section of the frames, pull them back towards the centre of
the upper floor and lay them flat.

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4. Carrying and standing Persons and objects falling, 1. Allocate one person to attend to the temporary braces which should be ready before standing commences
frames frames over-balancing, (there must be two braces per frame). Allocate duties (minimum 3 persons per section of frame, 2 persons to
sprains and strains, slips and carry and stand, the other to attend the temporary braces).
trips 2. Stand frame part way to a vertical position and hold until a temporary brace is attached
3. The person attending the brace should continue to hold the brace while the frame is being raised to its vertical
position. The person should be prepared to take the weight of the frame to prevent it from falling while it is
being finally positioned and plumbed. The brace can then be nailed off and other braces attached as necessary.
Note: It is important to fit sufficient temporary bracing to hold the frame stable and secure.
5. Junction of wall Persons and unsecured frames All straps, connectors and nailing to the top plate must be carried out using step ladders (or similar) that are self-
sections at top plates falling supporting and not lent against an unsecured frame. All other nailing at junction of frames can be carried out while
working from the floor deck.
6. On completion Persons and unsecured frames Check that all framing sections, nail plates, strapping, connectors etc. are nailed off. Also check that all temporary
falling bracing is adequate as required by AS 1684 as well as any additional bracing that may be required for temporary
loading that may be applied (ie. temporary stacking of roof trusses).

Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will
need to be added to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls.

If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Principal Contractor or Representative Position Signature Date

Accepted by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Person doing the work Position Signature Date

2 March 2004 Copyright HIA Limited page 2 of 2

 Safe Work Method Statement – No 008
Work Activity/Task: Installation of Upper Floor Sheet Flooring for Project Name/No:
Joist Spacing up to 600mm
Codes/Standards applicable: AS 1576-Scaffolding; COP Manual Handling;
WorkCover Safety Guide 4503, ‘Portable Ladders’; OHS Regulation 2001 cl 56 Principal Contractor:
‘Working at Heights’
Prepared by: Representative:
Signature: Sub-contractor:
Date: DFT Licence No:
Responsibility: The sub-contractor doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the sub-
contractor is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed
and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.
Item Job Step Identified Hazard and Controls
Break the job down Assessment What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.
into steps. What can cause a high degree
of harm?
1. Erect work platform Slips, trips, falls, 1. Determine lowest point from floor to ground level
unsecured/unstable 2. Platform should be two planks wide (minimum 450mm) and located 1.2m below upper floor level. Platform
ladders/steps or ramps should be erected so that it is parallel to the length of the floor sheets to be laid. It can be erected on trestles,
stud brackets or tube and coupling. Scaffolding must comply with AS 1576
3. Where fall height from the platform reaches 2m, handrail and toe boards must be installed. If the fall height
reaches 4m, scaffolding must be certified by a competent person before use. A competent person is one who
has a ‘certificate of competency’ (scaffolder’s ticket) issued under Chapter 9 of OHS Regulation 2001(NSW).
4. If ground is uneven, the choice of scaffold must reflect the circumstances. For example there must be adequate
adjustment on the legs of the scaffold for sites with severe sloping ground levels.
2. Install floor perimeter Falls from the edge of floor Note: Where chosen method of stair void protection can be installed before the floor sheeting operation, it must be
fall protection perimeter and internal stair installed at the same time as the floor perimeter protection.
void With the exception of the perimeter at the working platform, install chosen method of fall protection around the
remaining floor perimeters and stair void. Stair void protection may consist of balustrade or temporary flooring. All
work must be performed from ground level using ladders or trestles.
3. Set up ladder access Falls, unsecured/unstable Set up and secure ladder access from the ground to the platform. Ladders must be secured at top and bottom to
ladders prevent dislodgement – refer to WorkCover Safety Guide 4503 ‘Portable ladders
4. Establish Falling objects, head injuries Position signage and barricades to delineate ‘no-go-zones below the flooring activities and warning of potential
‘no-go-zones’ falling objects.
5. Cut floor sheets Falls and falling objects Cut sheets to length at ground level to begin coursing for laying. Cutting sheets on the floor deck should be avoided
until sufficient area has been laid to reposition saw stools to the floor deck.

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 6. Pass sheet up to work Sprains, strains, slips, trips, 1. Ensure access from sheet stack to platform is clear of hazards underfoot
platform falls 2. Full size particle board sheets must be carried by two persons.
3. Ensure correct lifting and carrying techniques are used at all times. Refer to HIA SWMS 004 – ‘General lifting
and carrying’
7. Install first row of Falls from and through floor Install first row of sheeting working only from the platform. Tongue of floor sheet should face direction of laying
sheets joists
8. Install edge protection Falls from floor perimeter 1. Install perimeter fall protection along the remaining perimeter of the floor deck at the working platform
at working platform 2. Leave access opening to pass flooring sheets to working area
3. The original working platform can be reduced in size to allow sufficient platform to provide a stage to pass
floor sheets from ground to floor deck
9. Install second row of Sprains and strains, falls Note: When handling floor sheets, correct lifting /carrying techniques must be used at all times.
floor sheeting through floor joists, trips and 1. Set up and secure ladder access from the stage to the floor deck. Using remaining stage of original working
slips platform, pass sheets to installer on the floor deck as needed.
2. Using the first row of sheeting as a working platform, proceed to lay the second and subsequent rows by:
a. Applying the flooring adhesive along the exposed joist edges. Note: During this operation, installers must
maintain an awareness of potential falls between the joists. In the event that someone should fall onto the
joists, with spacing up to 600mm, joists are close enough to be “grabbed” to prevent falling through.
b. Place the grooved edge of the sheet for the second row in an upright position on the joists and against the
tongue edge of the sheet of the first row.
c. Slowly lower the second row sheet (which has been properly positioned) onto the adhesive on the exposed
joist. Note: to effectively lower the sheet onto the adhesive, a purpose made tool will need to be used such
as a hook with an extended handle long enough (approx 1m) to allow the installer to remain upright
without having to lean in the direction of the open joists.
d. Bump sheet into position and nail off
10. Install third and Sprains and strains, falls Note: Once sufficient area has been laid, saw stools can be repositioned to the floor deck. Off cuts must be stored
subsequent rows of through floor joists, trips and for disposal at a later stage, Off cuts must not be thrown from the floor deck
floor sheeting slips 1. The remaining stage of the original working platform should be used for the process of passing up sheets to the
floor deck
2. The installed floor area con be used to stack and distribute the remaining floor sheets
3. Sheeting should continue to be laid, working forward, towards the open joists
11. Where stair void Falls into stair void As soon as the floor sheeting reaches the stair void perimeter, floor laying must concentrate on laying sheets
protection is installed around the stair void followed by immediate installation of railed floor protection. Once fall protection around void
after floor sheeting is complete, flooring can continue as in step 10 above.
12. Finishing off Falling objects, dust in eyes, On completion clean up all off cuts and any other debris and remove it from the deck. All debris, materials, tools
slips and trips and equipment must be lowered, not thrown, from the deck. Eye protection must be worn to protect from dust
Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will
need to be added to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls.

If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Principal Contractor or Representative Position Signature Date

Accepted by:_______________________________________ ___________________________ _________________________ ___/___/__

Person doing the work Position Signature Date
Copyright HIA Limited page 2 of 2