Working at Heights SWMS

Product Description

Working at Heights SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian construction businesses and trade contractors undertaking work where there is a risk of a person falling from height. Supplied in editable Microsoft Word format, this document helps businesses plan, communicate and document safe work procedures while supporting straightforward site-specific customisation before work begins.

Working at heights remains one of the highest-risk activities on construction sites and requires careful planning, appropriate access equipment and effective fall prevention systems. Whether accessing roofs, working from ladders, scaffolds, elevated work platforms or using work positioning and fall arrest systems, contractors must implement practical controls that minimise the risk of falls and falling objects. This SWMS provides a structured framework covering the complete work sequence from planning and equipment selection through access, fall prevention, work positioning, rescue planning and completion of the task.

Suitable for residential, commercial, industrial and civil construction projects, this document assists contractors in implementing practical risk controls while maintaining consistent WHS documentation wherever work at height forms part of the project.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• General construction work.
• Roofing activities.
• Electrical installations.
• Building maintenance.
• Commercial fit-outs.
• Industrial maintenance.
• Work from ladders.
• Work from scaffolds.
• Elevated work platforms.
• Roof access.
• Fall arrest and work positioning systems.

Work Activities Covered

Depending on the selected work method, the SWMS may include:

• Using extension, step and platform ladders.
• Working from trestles.
• Operating elevated work platforms.
• Installing and working behind guardrails.
• Constructing and using mobile or fixed scaffolds.
• Working near overhead powerlines.
• Using work positioning systems.
• Using fall arrest systems.
• Developing and implementing emergency rescue plans.

Hazards Addressed

This SWMS addresses hazards commonly associated with working at heights, including:

• Falls from height.
• Falling objects.
• Ladder misuse.
• Scaffold collapse.
• Elevated work platform overturning.
• Electrical hazards from overhead powerlines.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Incorrect use of fall arrest equipment.
• Inadequate rescue planning.

Control Measures Included

The document assists businesses by documenting practical control measures such as:

• Selecting suitable access equipment for the work being undertaken.
• Inspecting ladders, scaffolds, elevated work platforms and fall protection equipment before use.
• Positioning ladders on firm, stable ground and securing them to prevent movement.
• Using industrial-rated ladders of the correct height and maintaining three points of contact where applicable.
• Ensuring elevated work platforms are operated on stable ground by appropriately trained operators.
• Installing guardrails, toe boards and edge protection where required.
• Maintaining exclusion zones and safe clearances from overhead electrical services.
• Using full-body harnesses with suitably rated anchor points for work positioning and fall arrest systems.
• Developing and communicating an emergency rescue plan before commencing work involving fall arrest systems.
• Inspecting the work area and implementing additional site-specific controls before work begins.

Plant & Equipment

Depending on the selected work method, plant and equipment may include:

• Ladders.
• Mobile scaffold.
• Scissor lift.
• Harness and lanyard systems.

Personal Protective Equipment

The documented activity references PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Gloves.
• Safety harness.

Document Features

• Fully editable Microsoft Word format.
• Suitable for Australian residential, commercial, industrial and civil construction projects.
• Logical work sequence from planning through completion.
• Hazard identification and practical control measures.
• Worker responsibilities and competency requirements.
• Easy to customise for individual projects and site conditions.
• Suitable for integration into broader WHS management systems.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Construction contractors.
• Electrical contractors.
• Roofing contractors.
• Maintenance contractors.
• Trade contractors.
• Principal contractors coordinating work at height activities.

Australian WHS Requirements

Working at heights activities should be reviewed before work commences to ensure the SWMS reflects the planned access methods, fall prevention systems, rescue arrangements and project-specific hazards. The source document specifies working at heights training where fall prevention, work positioning or fall arrest systems are used, a High Risk Work Licence for boom-type elevated work platforms capable of reaching over 11 metres, and confirmation by a licensed person that scaffolding over four metres is complete and safe for use before work commences.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance develops professionally written SWMS templates that are practical, easy to customise and suitable for Australian construction businesses. Delivered in editable Microsoft Word format, our documents help streamline project preparation while supporting consistent WHS management for work at height, fall prevention and construction compliance.