Help ensure compliance & protect your team with this industry-leading SWMS. This Working at Heights Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to identifying and controlling risks associated with working at heights. It outlines hazard controls, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices to help businesses adhere to Australian workplace safety standards when working on ladders, scaffolding, elevated work platforms (EWP), or roofs.
 
Hazards & Control Measures Covered:
1️⃣ Planning & Risk Assessment:
Site Induction & Pre-Start Meeting: Ensures all personnel are briefed on site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and required PPE before work begins.
Unawareness of Hazards: Requires workers to receive information on workplace hazards, risk assessments, and emergency procedures.
Work Area Inspections & Hazard Identification: Ensures a visual inspection and hazard assessment before commencing work.
2️⃣ Height & Fall Safety Controls:
Fall from Heights (More than 2 Metres): Requires a fall protection system, such as guardrails, harnesses, or barriers, to be in place before work begins.
Edge Protection & Handrails: Ensures handrails and edge protection are secure before working on elevated surfaces.
Use of Personal Fall Protection Equipment: Requires all personnel to wear and inspect harnesses and fall arrest systems before use.
Suspended Person Rescue Plan: Ensures an emergency retrieval system is in place for workers using harnesses.
Weather Conditions & Height Work Restrictions: Prohibits working in high winds, storms, or wet weather due to slip and fall risks.
3️⃣ Use of Ladders & Elevated Work Platforms (EWP):
Ladder Selection & Setup: Requires ladders to be industrial-rated, secured, and placed at the correct angle.
Safe Ladder Use: Ensures workers maintain three points of contact and do not exceed the safe working height.
Inspection of Elevated Work Platforms (EWP): Requires daily checks, maintenance logs, and pre-use safety inspections.
Safe EWP Operations: Ensures operators are licensed and maintain a safe distance from power lines and other overhead hazards.
4️⃣ Scaffolding Safety:
Scaffold Selection & Setup: Ensures scaffolding meets AS 1576 standards and is correctly rated for load capacity.
Scaffold Access & Use: Requires workers to use designated access points, avoid overloading platforms, and secure all tools.
Scaffold Collapse Prevention: Mandates inspections before use and ensures scaffolds are not used in extreme weather conditions.
5️⃣ Manual Handling & Falling Object Hazards:
Hoisting & Securing Tools: Requires proper lifting techniques and the use of tool lanyards to prevent dropped objects.
Exclusion Zones & Barricading: Establishes restricted areas below elevated work to prevent injury from falling objects.
Housekeeping & Site Cleanup: Ensures tools and materials are removed from height before finishing work.
6️⃣ Emergency Preparedness & Response:
First Aid & Injury Reporting: Requires first aid kits to be available and all incidents reported to supervisors.
Fire Safety & Evacuation Procedures: Ensures workers are trained in emergency evacuation protocols.
Emergency Response for Falls: Mandates an immediate rescue plan for suspended workers.
 
Key Features of the SWMS:
Regulatory Compliance: Helps you align with Australian workplace safety laws and height safety regulations.
Hazard Identification & Risk Control: Comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate height-related dangers.
Emergency Preparedness: Clear response plans for fall-related incidents and rescue procedures.
Fully Customisable Content: Easily editable to suit specific job sites and work environments.
 
Who is This SWMS Suitable For?
This Working at Heights SWMS is essential for:
Roofers & Construction Workers
Scaffolders & Elevated Work Platform Operators
Maintenance & Repair Technicians
Anyone Working at Heights or on Elevated Structures
 
Additional Resources:
Included with the purchase is a free copy of our Legislation & Codes of Practice Reference List.
 
Ensure your workforce is equipped with the right procedures for working at heights safely. Download the Working at Heights SWMS today and help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.