Master SWMS
Our Master SWMS library is your go-to resource for ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety regulations. Each SWMS outlines the step-by-step process for carrying out high-risk construction work safely, identifying potential hazards and implementing effective risk control measures in line with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, and relevant state-based legislation.
We regularly review & update our master SWMS to ensure alignment with best practices and evolving WHS standards.
Always refer to the site specific SWMS if you are on site as there may be slight changes in the controls to suit the assessed risks for that particular site.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof edge, Sloped roofs, Working above dangerous machinery or equipment. Risk: Worker falls off the roof resulting in serious injury or death. | Install edge protection (e.g., guardrails, scaffolding) in compliance with AS/NZS 4994. Conduct a pre-start inspection verifying stability of edge protection, proper fitting and functionality of harness systems, and access points and fall zones are clear of hazards. Use of a fall arrest system when required. Inspect roof surface for stability before work. Avoid work in extreme weather conditions. Use roof ladders or walk boards for stability. Ensure workers are familiar with the emergency rescue plan. Display warning signs and restrict unauthorized access. Secure tools and materials to prevent falls. | Ensure edge protection is installed by a competent person. Provide working at heights training. Plan and check weather conditions before work. Develop an emergency rescue plan including procedures for retrieving a worker, availability of trained rescue personnel, and accessible first aid equipment. | Site Supervisor, Safety Officer, Carpenters. |
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scaffold collapse, Slips or falls from scaffold. Risk: Worker falls from scaffold resulting in serious injury or death. | Erect scaffolding according to AS/NZS 4576. Ensure scaffolding is inspected before use, after severe weather or impact, and at intervals no greater than 30 days. Install toe boards and guardrails at all working platforms. Prohibit the use of incomplete or damaged scaffolding. Restrict unauthorized access to scaffolds. | Site supervisors to oversee scaffold erection by licensed personnel. Conduct pre-use inspections and maintain scaffold inspection records. | Site Supervisor, Safety Officer, Certified Scaffolders. |
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladder tipping, Standing on top rung of ladder, Slips from ladder. Risk: Worker falls from the ladder, resulting in serious injury or death. | Use ladders that comply with AS/NZS 1892: Portable Ladders standards. Secure ladders at the top or bottom to prevent movement. Maintain a 4:1 ratio between the height of the ladder and its base distance from the wall. Always maintain three points of contact. Use a fall arrest system where required. | Conduct pre-use inspections and provide ladder safety training. Monitor compliance with ladder safety procedures. | Site Supervisor, Safety Officer, Workers. |
Work tasks - Welding tasks, including arc welding, gas welding, or oxy-acetylene cutting.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire and explosion, toxic fumes, electric shock, ergonomic strains, severe burns. | Install welding screens, ensure proper ventilation, use fire-resistant materials, PPE. | Conduct pre-task safety checks, install engineering controls, enforce PPE use. | Site Supervisor, Safety Officer, Welders, Plant Operators. |
Type of work - Work carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hazard - Workers struck by moving plant or machinery. Risk - Worker injury (moderate to severe) or death. |
1. All forklifts, telehandlers, and other powered industrial trucks must comply with AS 2359.2: Powered Industrial Trucks – Safe Use. 2. Pedestrian exclusion zones must be maintained around all powered mobile plant, per WHS Regulation 215 (NSW) / OHS Regulation 98 (VIC). 3. Operators must hold a valid high-risk work license where required, in accordance with WHS Regulation 96 (NSW) / OHS Regulation 44 (VIC). 4. Ensure reversing alarms and flashing beacons are functional. 5. Daily pre-start safety checks must be completed. 6. Restrict the use of mobile plant during adverse weather conditions. 7. Ensure ground surfaces are stable and free from hazards like mud or loose gravel. 8. Ensure plant is parked on level ground during loading or unloading. 9. Use wheel chocks or stabilizers where necessary to prevent movement. |
· Establish and enforce exclusion zones around mobile plant to separate pedestrians from operating areas. · Conduct regular toolbox talks to reinforce safe practices for mobile plant operations. · Train workers on identifying and avoiding mobile plant hazards. · Develop & enforce site-specific traffic management plans. |
· Plant Operators · Safety Officer · Site Supervisor |
Work task - Excavation above gas lines.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Puncturing or damaging a gas line during excavation. 2. Release of gas causing fire, explosion, or asphyxiation. Risk: Serious injuries, fatalities, or significant damage to infrastructure. |
1. Do not commence work if you have not been provided with the locations of underground utilities. 2. Clearly mark the location of gas pipes on-site using color-coded spray paint or flags. 3. Use hand tools for excavation within 1 meter of gas lines to minimize damage risk. 4. Avoid the use of heavy machinery directly above marked gas lines. 5. Keep workers at a safe distance during excavation. |
· Ensure location of gas lines are known by contacting Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) to locate and map underground utilities before work begins. · Communicate findings with all workers. · Include gas line locations in toolbox talks and site plans. · Ensure workers are trained in gas safety protocols and understand the risks of gas exposure. · Assign a competent supervisor to oversee excavation activities. |
· Site Supervisor · Machine Operators · Safety Officer |
Work task - Erecting tilt-up or precast concrete panels on-site.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Panel becomes unstable during erection and collapses. Risk: Workers in the fall shadow are struck by the collapsing panel and are seriously injured or killed. |
1. Install braces in accordance with AS 3850: Prefabricated Concrete Elements. 2. Conduct a structural engineer’s inspection and approval before removing bracing. 3. Exclude workers from the fall shadow zone during lifting operations. |
· Erect bracing systems under supervision of a competent person. · Inspect bracing systems daily and after extreme weather events. |
· Site Supervisor · Crane Operators |
Work task - Removing bracing from a wall using an excavator.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Unsupported building materials, flying debris. Risk: Wall collapses on worker or others; flying debris hits worker. |
Fit an open cab excavator with a protective structure. Ensure all workers wear appropriate PPE. Follow a detailed demolition plan. Restrict access using barriers and signage. Conduct a pre-demolition inspection. |
Workers to use PPE correctly. Site Supervisor to oversee the demolition plan. Maintain exclusion zones with barriers. Conduct structural assessments before and after each step. |
Site Supervisor Safety Officer Machine Operators |
Work task – Demolition or renovation of a wall containing asbestos sheeting.
Any asbestos removal must comply with the How to Safely Remove Asbestos – SafeWork NSW & WorkSafe VIC Code of Practice.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Releasing asbestos fibers into the air during handling, demolition, or renovation. Inhalation of fibers causing asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer. Risk: High risk of long-term health effects due to airborne asbestos exposure. |
Only licensed asbestos removalists may remove more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos. Workers must wear provided disposable Type 5 coveralls, nitrile gloves, and P2 or P3 respirators certified under AS/NZS 1716. Employ wet methods (lightly spray the material with water containing detergent) to minimize dust and fiber release. Ensure the work area is sealed or restricted to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. Double-wrap all asbestos waste in heavy-duty plastic and label it as "Asbestos Waste". Transport waste to a licensed asbestos disposal facility. Do not use power tools, abrasive cutting tools, or high-pressure water to remove or clean asbestos materials. |
The person removing the asbestos has completed asbestos awareness training or equivalent. Post warning signs to restrict access to asbestos-affected areas. Check the asbestos register to confirm presence, type, and location of asbestos. Engage a licensed asbestos assessor if no register exists. Ensure asbestos removal is performed by a Class A (friable) or Class B (non-friable) licensed contractor. Provide asbestos awareness training to all workers involved in the task. Conduct air monitoring to ensure fiber concentrations remain below permissible exposure limits. A clearance certificate must be obtained before reoccupying the site. |
Safety Officer Site Supervisor Workers |
Work task – Performing tasks inside confined spaces where oxygen levels or hazardous gases could be an issue.
| Hazards & Risks | Risk Control Measures | Implementation of Controls | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Oxygen deficiency, Toxic atmospheres, Engulfment by liquids or materials. Risk: Suffocation, poisoning, or serious injury due to lack of oxygen or exposure to hazardous gases. |
Ensure a confined space entry permit has been obtained. Use continuous atmospheric monitoring. Implement a confined space entry permit system. Train workers in confined space entry and emergency rescue procedures. Ensure a competent standby person is present during all confined space work. |
Site Supervisor to ensure all confined space entry permits are completed. Safety Officer to confirm atmospheric testing results before work begins. Conduct regular training and emergency drills for confined space rescue. |
Site Supervisor Safety Officer Workers |