When a SWMS is required for work at height
Under the model WHS Regulations, a safe work method statement is required for high risk construction work, which includes work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. Note that in some jurisdictions this threshold is 3 metres, so the applicable local legislation should be checked. The SWMS must be prepared before the work begins.
A SWMS for work at height should describe the specific tasks involved, such as roof work, scaffold use, ladder work, or work on an elevated work platform. It should also identify who is responsible for implementing and reviewing the controls on site.
Key hazards to address
Falls from height are among the most frequent causes of serious injury and fatality in construction. A working at heights SWMS should also address falling objects, weather such as wind and rain, unstable or fragile surfaces, and proximity to overhead services.
Other relevant hazards include inadequate edge protection, incorrect use or poor condition of access equipment, and gaps in competency or supervision. Each hazard should be matched to a specific control measure rather than listed in isolation.
Control measures and the hierarchy of control
The WHS framework requires controls to be selected using the hierarchy of control. For work at height, this means considering elimination first, such as performing the work at ground level where reasonably practicable, then engineered controls such as guardrails, scaffolding, and edge protection, followed by administrative controls and personal protective equipment such as harnesses.
Administrative controls and PPE alone are lower in the hierarchy and should not replace engineered protection where it is reasonably practicable. The SWMS should record which controls apply to each step of the work and how they will be checked before work starts.
Access equipment and rescue planning
Access equipment should be selected to suit the task and surface, inspected before use, and used within its rated capacity. Where harness systems are used, the SWMS should address anchor points, fall clearance, and suspension trauma, because a worker suspended after a fall needs prompt rescue.
A rescue plan should be prepared before work begins, with the equipment and trained people available to carry it out. The plan should be specific to the work location and the access method used.