Product Overview

This Construction Or Renovations Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive safety planning document designed to identify hazards, implement controls, and support WHS compliance on Australian construction and renovation sites. It provides detailed, integrated risk management for a wide range of activities including temporary works, public art or statue placement, and pedestrian protection, delivering a single, comprehensive construction safety document.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of construction and renovation works in occupied and public areas
• Placement and installation of public art, monuments, and statues in construction or urban renewal projects
• Use of cranes, lifting equipment, and mechanical aids to position statues, plinths, and heavy decorative elements
• Setting up temporary walkways and pedestrian diversions to safely separate the public from construction activities
• Selection, installation, and inspection of temporary barriers, fencing, hoarding, and edge protection
• Design, erection, and modification of temporary works such as propping, shoring, formwork, and support structures
• Management of traffic interfaces, including vehicle and plant movements near public access ways
• Control of working at height risks during installation of elevated artworks, façades, or architectural features
• Manual handling and team lifting of awkward or fragile artwork components and construction materials
• Use of power tools, hand tools, and small plant during renovation, fixing, and finishing works
• Housekeeping, waste removal, and control of slip, trip, and fall hazards on temporary walkways and work zones
• Emergency planning, including exclusion zones, incident response, and communication with local authorities and asset owners
• Environmental controls for dust, noise, vibration, and protection of nearby public and heritage assets

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for commercial and residential builders, renovation contractors, public space and civil works contractors, artists and fabricators installing public art, and site supervisors managing temporary works and pedestrian interfaces.

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 and renovation activities, including temporary works.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for working at height during installation of elevated artworks and construction elements.
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of cranes, lifting equipment, and powered plant for moving and placing heavy items.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Requirements for safe access, egress, and pedestrian walkways through or around work areas.
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management framework applied to all construction and renovation tasks covered in this SWMS.
• AS 3845.1 Road safety barrier systems and devices – Relevant to selection and use of temporary barriers near trafficable areas (where applicable).
• AS/NZS 1170 Structural design actions – Referenced for structural adequacy considerations of temporary works and supports (where applicable).
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017