Product Overview

This Ladders Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective controls for the safe selection, setup and use of ladders on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple ladder-related tasks into one easy-to-use SWMS to support WHS compliance and reduce the risk of falls from height.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe access using ladders and staircases in work areas, including segregation from vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Accessing roofs via ladders, including securing the ladder, maintaining three points of contact and managing edge protection
• Chocking and stabilising ladders when used on slopes or gradients to prevent slipping or movement
• Correct techniques for climbing ladders, including body positioning, tool handling and maintaining three points of contact
• Working from ladders to reach high spots while minimising overreaching, twisting and loss of balance
• Use of extension ladders on unstable or soft footing, including ground assessment and use of stabilisers or base plates
• Prevention of falls from steps, rungs and platforms through correct selection, inspection and use of step ladders
• Managing ladder footfall risks such as slips, trips, missteps and contact with obstacles at the base or landing area
• Correct ladder placement on uneven ground, including levelling methods and use of proprietary levelling devices
• Safe ladder use during drilling operations, including tool lanyards, cable management and vibration control
• Use of ladders for painting and cleaning tasks, including drop zone control and safe handling of paints, solvents and equipment
• Safe operation of order picking ladders in warehouses, including load limits, manual handling and traffic management
• Use of platform ladders, including guardrails, access gates and work positioning on elevated platforms
• Inspection, tagging and removal from service of defective ladders to control the risk of structural failure and falls
• General safety in the use of ladders, including selection of appropriate ladder type, height and duty rating for the task
• Integration of ladder work into site-specific traffic management, exclusion zones and emergency response procedures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, painters, maintenance crews, electricians, plumbers, warehouse and logistics operators, cleaners, facility managers and site supervisors responsible for any work involving ladders or low-level access equipment.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling fall risks when working at height, including ladder use
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks associated with ladders as plant
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control implementation
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Additional guidance where ladders are used as part of construction activities
• AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders (series): Requirements for design, construction, selection, care and use of portable ladders
• AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders: Guidance where fixed ladders and access systems interface with portable ladders
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017