Product Overview

This Fencing Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for the safe installation, maintenance, and removal of fencing on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of fencing construction activities to support robust WHS compliance and safer site operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning of fencing works, site assessment, and consultation with principal contractors and other trades
• Selection, loading, transport, and unloading of fencing materials, posts, panels, and hardware
• Manual handling of posts, panels, concrete bags, and tools to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Use of hand and power tools for cutting, drilling, fixing, and fastening fencing components
• Excavation and augering of post holes, including controls for underground services and ground stability
• Mixing, handling, and placing concrete for post footings, including exposure controls for cement products
• Installation and alignment of fence posts, rails, and panels, including temporary bracing and supports
• Working adjacent to traffic, driveways, and public access ways with appropriate barricades and signage
• Working at height on uneven ground, retaining walls, or elevated areas with fall-prevention measures
• Use of portable ladders and access equipment during fence installation and adjustment
• Noise, dust, and vibration management when cutting metal, timber, or masonry fencing materials
• Handling sharp metal edges, wire, and mesh, including glove selection and safe cutting techniques
• Installation of gates, latches, and security fencing components with pinch-point and crush controls
• Environmental controls for waste management, spoil, and runoff from concreting and excavation
• Site clean-up, demobilisation, and handover of completed fencing works

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for fencing contractors, builders, landscapers, rural and security fencing installers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing fencing works on construction and maintenance projects.

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-related fencing activities
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling fencing materials and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Requirements for noise control when using power tools and cutting equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction – Fall-prevention measures when working at heights or near edges during fencing works
• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Risk management for post-hole digging and excavation near underground services
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites – Requirements for safe use of electrical tools and temporary power on site
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves – Selection and use of gloves for handling sharp fencing materials and tools
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017