Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to managing the significant manual handling and crush risks associated with heavy building materials such as glass, brick and board, helping workplaces maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Heavy Building Materials Handling, from planning and load assessment through to lifting, carrying, team handling and storage.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Bulk handling of aggregates, including safe loading, unloading and movement using mechanical aids where practicable
• Carrying and team-lifting of heavy curtain boxes, with controls for awkward grips and restricted vision
• Cross handling of longframes and long sections, focusing on coordination, communication and clear travel paths
• Safe handling and stacking of cement bags to minimise repetitive bending, twisting and overreaching
• Manual handling of heavy bricks, including pallet work, band cutting, stacking and relocation on site
• Lifting and positioning of heavy windows and doors, including use of glass lifters, trolleys and team lifts
• Lifting and moving roofing rolls and similar bulky products, with controls for roll-out, trip and fall hazards
• Manual handling of bagged products such as mortar, grout and plaster, including weight limits and rotation of tasks
• Manual handling of bricks and blockwork components during loading, transport and installation tasks
• Manual handling of cladders, boards and sheet products, with attention to wind loading and edge protection
• Manual handling of drywall and plasterboard sheets, including use of panel lifters and safe carrying techniques
• Manual handling of glass sheets, with specific controls for cut hazards, breakage and crush injuries
• Manual handling of heavy sanitary ware (e.g. toilets, basins, baths), focusing on awkward shapes and centre-of-gravity issues
• Manual handling and rolling of tyres, with guidance on stacking, unstacking and controlling movement
• Manual lifting and carrying of glass materials in confined or restricted spaces, including stairways and elevated work areas
• Selection and use of mechanical aids (trolleys, dollies, pallet jacks, forklifts and vacuum lifters) to reduce manual handling loads
• Planning of delivery, storage and laydown areas to minimise double-handling and hazardous carrying distances

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, bricklayers, glaziers, plasterers, cladding installers, warehouse and delivery crews, and site supervisors responsible for the handling and installation of heavy building materials.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling risks from hazardous manual handling
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work – overarching requirements for managing risks on construction sites
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – safe use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet jacks and forklifts
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – principles for guarding and safe use of mechanical handling equipment
• AS/NZS 4801 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – framework for integrating this SWMS into workplace safety systems
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017