Product Overview

This Formwork Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step controls to manage the risks associated with formwork, falsework and temporary supports on construction sites, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that brings together multiple activities and tasks involved in Formwork SWMS, from initial layout and propping through to stripping and removal.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection, placement and removal of Acrow props and other adjustable props to safely support temporary structures
• Assembly and dismantling of falsework systems, including bracing and stability checks prior to loading
• Safe concrete formwork stripping procedures to minimise damage to concrete and prevent sudden collapse
• Dismantling falsework in conjunction with post-tensioning works, including exclusion zones and load sequencing
• Installation and removal of formwork decks, column forms and stair forms for suspended and vertical elements
• Systematic formwork stripping operations, including verification of concrete strength and engineer sign-off requirements
• Formwork and propping installation, including bearing checks, sole plates, back-propping and load transfer controls
• Installation and removal of falsework under slabs, beams and precast elements, with controls for working at height
• Installing and using climbing bracket form platforms, including edge protection, harness use and access/egress
• Layout and installation of forms in accordance with design drawings, tolerances and engineered specifications
• Placement and removal of props and shores, including staged de-propping and monitoring for deflection or movement
• Placement and removal of temporary supports beneath formwork and structural members to prevent premature loading
• Identification and management of risks associated with temporary supports, including overloading and instability
• Installation and stripping of round column formwork, including crane lifting, slinging and manual handling controls
• Housekeeping, access, material handling and traffic management around formwork and falsework work areas

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for formwork contractors, concrete and structures crews, builders, carpenters, steel fixers, site supervisors and principal contractors involved in formwork and falsework operations on Australian construction sites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Safe Work Method Statement for High Risk Construction Work: Guidance on preparing and implementing SWMS for high risk construction activities
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Controls for working at height on decks, platforms and edges
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: General WHS requirements for construction, including formwork and temporary structures
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Use of props, lifting equipment and powered plant associated with formwork
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Managing risks from handling formwork panels, props and falsework components
• AS 3610 Formwork for Concrete: Requirements and guidance for the design, construction and stripping of formwork
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (where climbing brackets and work platforms are used): Design and use of temporary working platforms and access
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017