Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to managing the hazards of working on wet, icy or slippery surfaces to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple activities and controls into one easy-to-use resource to support WHS compliance across a wide range of worksites and conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Avoiding slips and falls on slick, oily or contaminated floor surfaces
• Identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with slippery floors in work areas and access ways
• Safe removal of snow and ice from walkways, steps, loading areas and building entries
• Slip prevention measures when working in wet conditions, including rain-affected external areas
• Managing hazards from slippery floors in kitchens, bathrooms, plant rooms and other high-risk zones
• Controlling risks from slippery surfaces caused by spillages, leaks or wet weather ingress
• Safe work practices to prevent slips or trips on wet surfaces during mopping and floor cleaning activities
• Walking safely on icy, frosted or waterlogged pavements, paths and car parks
• Selection and use of appropriate slip-resistant footwear and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Implementation of barricades, signage and exclusion zones around high-risk slippery areas
• Housekeeping procedures, drainage management and prompt clean-up of spills to minimise slip hazards
• Emergency response, incident reporting and first aid considerations following slip, trip or fall events

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for cleaners, maintenance teams, facilities managers, construction and civil workers, grounds staff, and site supervisors responsible for managing work on wet, icy or otherwise slippery surfaces.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on maintaining safe access, egress, lighting, drainage and floor conditions to prevent slips, trips and falls.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls for slippery surface hazards.
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling the risk of falls on the same level and from one level to another.
• Safe Work Australia – Preventing Slips and Trips at the Workplace Guidance Material: Practical advice on slip-resistant flooring, footwear and housekeeping controls.
• AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation: Requirements for safe access ways, including surface conditions and slip resistance.
• AS/NZS 4586 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials: Guidance on selection of floor surfaces with appropriate slip resistance ratings.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017