Product Overview

This Marine Construction Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with marine-based construction activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of marine construction safety and WHS compliance, from cofferdam installation to complex marine concreting operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and set-up of marine construction works, including site assessment, access, and exclusion zones
• Construction of cofferdams, including design considerations, installation sequencing, and stability controls
• Safe use and placement of sheet piles, bracing, and walers during cofferdam erection
• Installation, monitoring, and maintenance of dewatering systems within cofferdams to manage water ingress
• Marine concreting activities, including formwork erection, reinforcement placement, and pour sequencing over or in water
• Selection and use of pumps, tremie pipes, and other specialised equipment for underwater or tidal-zone concrete placement
• Management of tidal movements, currents, and changing water levels during construction operations
• Working from barges, pontoons, and work platforms, including access, egress, and stability management
• Control of mobile plant and lifting operations over water, including cranes, EWPs, and materials handling equipment
• Fall prevention and rescue procedures when working near or over water, including lifejackets and harness systems
• Traffic management for marine vessels and onshore interfaces to protect workers and the public
• Environmental protection measures for spills, concrete washout, and sediment control in marine environments
• Emergency response planning for flooding, structural failure, man overboard, and medical incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for marine construction contractors, civil and bridge builders, piling and cofferdam specialists, marine concreting crews, and site supervisors overseeing construction works in or over water.

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 preventing falls when working near or over water and on elevated platforms
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of cranes, pumps, and other plant used in marine construction
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and carrying out construction work, including marine and bridge works
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Provision of safe access, amenities, and emergency arrangements for marine sites
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid equipment, facilities, and response in marine construction environments
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Diving Work: Referenced where diving or underwater tasks interface with marine construction operations
• AS/NZS 4994 Temporary Edge Protection Series: Guidance for temporary edge protection on marine structures, platforms, and cofferdams
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices Series: Requirements for harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest systems used over water
• AS 2550 Cranes, Hoists and Winches Series: Safe use of cranes and lifting equipment in marine construction
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017