Working at Heights – Ladders, Scaffolds & Roofs SWMS

Product Description

Working at Heights – Ladders, Scaffolds & Roofs SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian construction, plumbing, maintenance and trade contractors carrying out work at height using ladders, scaffolds, mobile scaffolds and roof access systems. 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 height remains one of the highest-risk activities on Australian construction sites. Whether accessing roofs, using platform ladders, erecting mobile scaffolds or working near penetrations, contractors must carefully manage fall hazards, equipment selection, access methods and emergency planning. This SWMS provides a structured framework for managing these risks while maintaining consistent WHS documentation across residential, commercial, industrial and civil construction projects.

From site preparation and equipment inspections through elevated work, ladder safety, scaffold use, roof access, fall restraint systems and emergency rescue planning, this document assists businesses in implementing practical risk controls while allowing project-specific adjustments to reflect the work environment and selected access methods.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• Working at heights.
• Roof access.
• Ladder work.
• Mobile scaffold use.
• Scaffold access.
• Commercial construction.
• Residential construction.
• Building maintenance.
• Plumbing installation.
• General construction activities.

Work Activities Covered

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

• Site setup and exclusion zones.
• Inspection of fall arrest equipment.
• General working at height activities.
• Working from platform and access ladders.
• Working from mobile scaffolds.
• Roof access and roof work.
• Edge protection and fall restraint systems.
• Protection of penetrations.
• Setup of fall arrest systems.
• Setup of travel restraint systems.
• Emergency rescue planning.

Hazards Addressed

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

• Falls from height.
• Unprotected edges.
• Falls through penetrations.
• Ladder misuse.
• Scaffold collapse.
• Defective fall arrest equipment.
• Suspension trauma.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Weather exposure.
• Electrical hazards.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Dropped objects.

Control Measures Included

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

• Conducting pre-start inspections of ladders, scaffolds and fall arrest equipment.
• Selecting the most appropriate access method before choosing ladder access.
• Establishing exclusion zones beneath elevated work areas.
• Using industrial-rated ladders suitable for the task and maintaining three points of contact.
• Inspecting mobile scaffolds daily and ensuring wheel locks, outriggers and edge protection are correctly installed.
• Maintaining secure roof access and controlling materials near roof edges.
• Covering or barricading penetrations before work commences.
• Installing certified anchor points, travel restraint or fall arrest systems where required.
• Developing task-specific emergency rescue plans before using fall arrest equipment.
• Removing defective equipment from service immediately and reporting defects to supervisors.

Plant & Equipment

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

• Ladders.
• Mobile scaffold.
• Harness.
• Hand tools.
• Power tools.

Personal Protective Equipment

The documented activity references PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Gloves.
• Hearing protection.
• Harness.

Document Features

• Fully editable Microsoft Word format.
• Suitable for Australian residential, commercial and industrial 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.
• Plumbing contractors.
• Roofing contractors.
• Maintenance contractors.
• Commercial fit-out contractors.
• Principal contractors managing work at height.

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, equipment selection, rescue arrangements and project-specific hazards. Additional controls may be required depending on roof design, work height, weather conditions and the use of fall arrest systems.

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 heights, roof access and elevated construction activities.