Ladders SWMS

Product Description

Ladders SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian construction businesses and trade contractors using portable ladders to access work areas and perform short-duration tasks. 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.

Ladder work remains one of the most common causes of workplace injuries across the construction industry. Selecting the correct ladder, inspecting it before use, transporting it safely and setting it up on stable ground are all essential steps in reducing the risk of falls. This SWMS provides a practical framework for managing ladder-related risks throughout the entire work process, from planning and equipment selection through to safe use and completion of the task.

Suitable for residential, commercial, industrial and civil construction projects, this document assists contractors in implementing practical control measures while maintaining consistent WHS documentation wherever ladders are used as a means of access or as temporary work equipment. It also supports businesses undertaking high-risk construction work where there is a risk of a person falling more than two metres or where ladder work is undertaken near energised electrical installations or services.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• General construction work.
• Electrical installation and maintenance.
• Building maintenance.
• Commercial fit-outs.
• Residential construction.
• Industrial maintenance.
• Inspection activities.
• Short-duration access work.
• Property maintenance.

Work Activities Covered

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

• Planning ladder work.
• Selecting suitable access equipment.
• Transporting ladders to and from site.
• Inspecting ladders before use.
• Carrying ladders safely.
• Setting up extension ladders.
• Using step ladders.
• Using platform ladders.
• Completing work and removing access equipment.

Hazards Addressed

This SWMS addresses hazards commonly associated with ladder use, including:

• Falls from height.
• Incorrect ladder selection.
• Unstable or slippery ground.
• Equipment failure.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Contact with overhead electrical services.
• Vehicle interaction.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Personal injury during transport and setup.

Control Measures Included

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

• Completing site-specific hazard assessments before ladder work begins.
• Selecting the most appropriate access equipment for the task, work duration and location.
• Inspecting ladders before each use to confirm they are free from damage and correctly labelled.
• Using correct manual handling techniques when transporting and carrying ladders.
• Securing ladders during transport to prevent movement or falling from vehicles.
• Positioning extension ladders on firm, level ground and setting them at the recommended working angle.
• Securing extension ladders at both the top and bottom where required.
• Maintaining three points of contact while climbing and descending ladders.
• Keeping work within normal reach and repositioning ladders instead of overreaching.
• Maintaining safe clearances from overhead powerlines and preventing ladders from being positioned where they may be struck by doors, windows or vehicles.

Plant & Equipment

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

• Extension ladders.
• Step ladders.
• Platform ladders.

Personal Protective Equipment

The documented activity references PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Gloves.
• Fall arrest harness where required.

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.
• Maintenance contractors.
• Building contractors.
• Trade contractors.
• Principal contractors coordinating work at height activities.

Australian WHS Requirements

Ladder work should be reviewed before work commences to ensure the SWMS reflects the planned access method, work location, environmental conditions and project-specific hazards. Alternative access equipment such as scaffolds, elevated work platforms or fixed platforms should be considered where ladder use is not the safest reasonably practicable option.

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, ladder safety and construction compliance.