Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, enforceable rules for the safe use of scaffolds by contractors and subcontractors on Australian worksites. It defines how external workers are inducted, supervised and controlled on scaffolding, helping you prevent falls, structural failures and WHS breaches while keeping projects on schedule.

Contractors and subcontractors often perform critical tasks on scaffolds, yet they may be working under different companies, systems and expectations. Without a clear, site-specific procedure, this can lead to inconsistent practices, unauthorised scaffold alterations, and confusion over who is responsible for safety. This SOP provides a structured framework for managing all external workers who access scaffolding on your site, from pre-qualification and induction through to day-to-day supervision and handover at the end of the job.

Designed for Australian conditions and WHS legislation, the document details how to control access to scaffolds, verify competency and licences, manage scaffold tags and permits, and coordinate between principal contractors, scaffolders and trades. It addresses common pain points such as subcontractors moving planks or guardrails, overloading working decks with materials, and working at height without appropriate fall protection. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of falls from height and scaffold collapse, and maintain a consistent, auditable standard for all contractors and subcontractors operating on scaffolds.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, enforceable rules for all contractors and subcontractors working on scaffolds.
• Reduce the risk of falls from height, scaffold collapse and dropped objects through clear control measures.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant scaffolding standards.
• Streamline contractor induction, authorisation and supervision processes related to scaffold access.
• Clarify roles, responsibilities and communication pathways between principal contractors, scaffolders and trades.

Who is this for?

• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Principal Contractors
• WHS Managers
• Safety Advisors
• Scaffolding Contractors
• Subcontractor Forepersons
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Small Building Company Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height while accessing or working from scaffolds
• Scaffold collapse or structural failure due to unauthorised alterations or overloading
• Dropped objects striking workers or the public below
• Trips and slips on scaffold platforms due to poor housekeeping or weather conditions
• Contact with live electrical installations while working from scaffolds
• Struck-by incidents from mobile plant operating near or under scaffolds
• Entrapment or crush injuries during scaffold erection, modification or dismantling
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions at height (wind, rain, heat stress)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Contractor, Subcontractor, Principal Contractor, Scaffold User, High Risk Construction Work)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation Requirements
• 4.0 Contractor and Subcontractor Pre-qualification and Verification of Competency
• 5.0 Induction, Training and Information for Scaffold Users
• 6.0 Scaffold Access Control, Tagging System and Permit Requirements
• 7.0 Requirements for Working on Scaffolds (Housekeeping, Edge Protection, Fall Protection, Load Limits)
• 8.0 Management of Tools, Equipment and Materials on Scaffolds (Dropped Object Prevention)
• 9.0 Communication and Coordination Between Principal Contractor, Scaffolding Company and Trades
• 10.0 Prohibited Activities and Unauthorised Modifications to Scaffolds
• 11.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Supervision of Contractors and Subcontractors on Scaffolds
• 12.0 Managing Environmental Conditions (Wind, Weather, Nearby Services and Traffic)
• 13.0 Incident, Near Miss and Non-conformance Reporting Related to Scaffold Use
• 14.0 Emergency Response and Rescue Procedures for Falls or Scaffold Incidents
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory versions)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (particularly provisions relating to construction work and high risk construction work)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series
• AS/NZS 4576: Guidelines for scaffolding
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems