Product Overview

This Bridge Construction Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step high-risk construction work methods, controls, and responsibilities to safely plan and deliver bridge construction activities. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of Bridge Construction SWMS, helping your team maintain strong WHS compliance from initial setup through to girder placement and finishing works.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of bridge construction works, including traffic, services, and environmental considerations
• Selection, inspection, and use of cranes and lifting equipment for bridge girder handling
• Safe rigging, slinging, and load stability for placing girders for bridges
• Working at height on bridge decks, formwork, scaffolds, and access platforms
• Installation and adjustment of temporary edge protection, guardrails, and fall prevention systems
• Use of elevated work platforms (EWPs) and other access equipment around bridge structures
• Control of vehicle and mobile plant movements in and around the bridge construction zone
• Management of live traffic interfaces, exclusion zones, and spotters during lifting operations
• Handling, positioning, and securing of precast concrete components and structural steel members
• Use of power tools, impact tools, and torqueing equipment for fixing and connections
• Manual handling of components, tools, and materials to minimise strain and musculoskeletal injury
• Environmental controls for work over watercourses, including spill response and debris containment
• Emergency response planning for falls, crush injuries, and plant-related incidents on bridge sites

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for bridge construction contractors, civil and structural engineering firms, riggers, crane crews, and site supervisors involved in the installation and placement of bridge girders and associated structures.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including bridge building and structural work
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – requirements and controls for working at height on bridge decks, scaffolds, and platforms
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – safe use of cranes, EWPs, and other mobile plant used during girder placement
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – controlling risks from lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy components and equipment
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – guidance on safe crane operations during lifting and placing of bridge girders
• AS 1418 Cranes, hoists and winches – Design and construction – technical requirements for lifting equipment used on bridge construction sites
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding Series – requirements for scaffolding used for access and work platforms on bridge structures
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – selection and use of harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest equipment
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017