Construction

Construction SWMS Templates

Safe Work Method Statements are legally required before any high risk construction work begins under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025. Australia defines 19 categories of high risk construction work (HRCW), each requiring a documented SWMS before work commences. All EHS Atlas templates include psychosocial hazard controls mandated from 1 April 2023 and Section 26A binding code of practice mapping effective 1 July 2026. Download, customise, and implement SWMS that satisfy regulator expectations across every Australian jurisdiction.

Working at Heights SWMS

Covers all work where a person could fall more than 2 metres, including roof work, edge protection, EWPs, and ladder use. Includes HRWL requirements for scaffold erection above 4 m and EWP operation above 11 m.

Work at height greater than 2 metres

Excavation & Trenching SWMS

Addresses trench collapse, underground service strikes, and groundwater ingress for excavations exceeding 1.5 metres depth. Includes DBYD requirements, shoring specifications, and exclusion zone management.

Work in or near a trench deeper than 1.5 metres

Scaffolding SWMS

Covers erection, alteration, and dismantling of scaffold systems where a fall of more than 2 metres is possible. HRWL holders must perform all scaffold work above 4 metres.

Work at height greater than 2 metres

Demolition SWMS

Manages structural collapse, asbestos encounter, and hazardous material exposure during load-bearing structure removal. Mandatory pre-demolition survey and structural engineer sign-off required.

Demolition of a load-bearing structure

Confined Spaces SWMS

Addresses atmospheric hazards, engulfment, and entrapment in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces not designed for continuous occupancy. Covers permit systems, atmospheric monitoring, and rescue planning per AS 2865.

Work in a confined space

Hot Work SWMS

Controls fire, explosion, and toxic fume risks from welding, cutting, grinding, and brazing near flammable or contaminated atmospheres. Includes hot work permit procedures and fire watch protocols.

Work in or near a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Crane & Lifting Operations SWMS

Manages load drop, tip-over, and powerline strike risks during crane lifts and rigging operations. Covers lift studies, dogger/rigger HRWL requirements, and ground bearing capacity.

Work involving powered mobile plant

Concrete & Pumping SWMS

Addresses silica dust exposure, chemical burns from wet concrete (pH 13), formwork collapse, and concrete pump line whip. Includes wet cutting controls and respiratory protection requirements.

General construction work

Electrical Work SWMS

Controls electrocution, arc flash, and stored energy hazards during work on or near energised electrical installations. Includes LOTO procedures, test-for-dead protocols, and HRWL requirements.

Work on or near energised electrical installations

Asbestos Removal SWMS

Covers identification, containment, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials with 20-50 year latency health effects. Requires Class A or Class B licensed removalist and clearance certification.

Work involving asbestos

Manual Handling SWMS

Addresses musculoskeletal disorder risks from hazardous manual tasks, the number one injury type in construction. Covers mechanical aids, work redesign, and load limit controls.

Hazardous manual tasks

Traffic Management SWMS

Controls vehicle strike and plant-pedestrian interaction risks on construction sites near live traffic. Includes traffic management plans, qualified controller requirements, and temporary speed zones.

Work in or near traffic

Silica-Generating Work SWMS

Manages respirable crystalline silica exposure from cutting, grinding, and drilling stone, concrete, and engineered stone. WEL reducing from 0.05 to 0.025 mg/m³ in December 2026.

Work involving respirable crystalline silica

Formwork SWMS

Addresses structural collapse, loading failure, and premature stripping risks during formwork erection and removal. Engineer design required for formwork exceeding 4 metres in height.

Work involving structural alteration

Steel Erection SWMS

Controls fall, load drop, and temporary structural instability risks during steel frame erection and connection. Covers erection sequence planning, temporary bracing, and wind limit protocols.

Work at height and structural alteration

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