General Construction Labour and Handyman SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers general construction labour and handyman work from reviewing scope and setting up the area through fixing, assembly, clean-up and handover. It supports work planning and risk management for materials, tools, concealed services, adhesives, fixtures and changing conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the scope, drawings and fixing locations
• Establish and control the work area
• Unload and stage materials
• Inspect tools and equipment
• Mark out, cut and trim materials
• Drill and install anchors
• Apply adhesives and sealants
• Assemble components and fixtures
• Position, secure and verify fixtures and fixings
• Manage changes and interruptions
• Clean up and hand over the completed work

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out general construction labour and handyman activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to identify hazards, eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable, provide information/training/supervision, consult workers, and manage construction-work risks.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Construction Work (November 2024) — guidance for construction risk management, SWMS, inductions, supervision and workplace arrangements; model codes require adoption in the relevant jurisdiction before having legal effect.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace (November 2024) — guidance on plant risk controls, guarding, inspection, maintenance and worker duties.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces — guidance on fall prevention, fall-arrest systems and competent inspection after a fall.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace — guidance on electrical risks; AS/NZS 3012 applies to electrical installations on construction and demolition sites.
• Relevant guidance: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks; Work Health and Safety Consultation, Co-operation and Co-ordination; Hazardous Manual Tasks; Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss; Managing the Work Environment and Facilities; First Aid in the Workplace; Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals; How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace.
• Technical guidance: AS/NZS 3012 electrical installations—construction and demolition sites; AS/NZS 3760 in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment; AS 1657 fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders; AS 1891 industrial fall-arrest systems; AS/NZS 4576 scaffolding guidelines; AS/NZS 5532 anchor-point manufacturing requirements; AS/NZS 1715 respiratory protection selection, use and maintenance.

---

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections