Product Overview

This General Working at Heights Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive safety planning document designed to identify, control, and minimise the risks associated with working at height on Australian worksites. It provides detailed, practical controls for multiple high-risk tasks, supporting WHS compliance and effective management of fall prevention across a wide range of overhead and elevated activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Accessing high-risk locations at height, including safe approach, exclusion zones, and spotter requirements
• Addressing wind-related risks when working at heights, including weather monitoring and work stoppage triggers
• Avoiding work during high winds and establishing clear wind-speed limits for different height access equipment
• Balancing safely on narrow ledges and maintaining three points of contact wherever practicable
• Engaging in overhead works with controls for dropped objects, tool lanyards, and barricading areas below
• Generic fall prevention strategies, including edge protection, guardrails, and fall restraint systems
• Selection, setup, and safe use of height access equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, EWP/MEWPs, and platforms
• Inspection of high structures prior to use, including checking for structural integrity and access anchor points
• Installations at height or overhead, including fixing of services, ducting, pipework, and cable trays
• Installing overhead structures with controls for lifting, positioning, and securing components at height
• Maintaining balance on narrow surfaces, including use of harnesses, line systems, and engineered walkways
• Maintaining balance while working at heights with appropriate footwear, housekeeping, and body positioning
• Routine and reactive maintenance work at heights, including inspection, cleaning, and repairs
• Managing tripping hazards at height through cable management, material storage, and clear access ways
• Preventing potential falls from higher levels using fall arrest systems, rescue plans, and no-go zones

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, roofers, electricians, plumbers, maintenance teams, installers, and site supervisors responsible for planning, supervising, or undertaking any general working at heights or overhead activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – guidance on controlling fall risks when working at heights
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – requirements for planning and managing construction activities including work at heights
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – selection, use, and maintenance of fall-arrest equipment
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – design, erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolding systems
• AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – safe design and access requirements for elevated structures
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – safe use of lifting equipment where overhead installation and work at heights is involved
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017