Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Structural & Formwork

Formwork Erection and Stripping — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the erection, use, and stripping of formwork and falsework systems for concrete structures, addressing falls from height, structural collapse, and manual handling risks in accordance with AS 3610 and Australian WHS Regulations.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801 Type 1)Steel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vestSafety harness and lanyard (for work above 2 m)Safety glassesWork glovesHearing protection (when operating power tools)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
•Work involving the use of explosive-powered tools
•Formwork or falsework

Risk Assessment

1.Falsework and Shoring Setup

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Collapse of falsework under concrete load	Catastrophic	Formwork and falsework must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer of Australia (RPEA) prior to erection. Verify that the design documentation, including load calculations and erection drawings, is available on site before work commences. During erection, foreman cross-checks each component placement against the engineering drawing at every level. Conduct a formal pre-pour inspection with sign-off by the engineer or nominated inspector confirming shoring heights, base plate bearing, and cross-bracing are per design. Do not proceed to pour without written sign-off.	Low	Formwork Supervisor / RPEA
Injury from component striking workers during erection	High	Establish an exclusion zone beneath the active erection area using bunting or barriers. Workers below the erection level must not stand under panels or props being positioned. All formwork components to be lifted by crane must be rigged by a licensed dogman. Workers not directly involved in rigging must stand clear of the swing radius. Use tag lines to control panels during crane placement.	Low	Crane Operator / Dogman / Site Supervisor

2.Erecting Deck Formwork at Height

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Falls from unprotected formwork edges	Catastrophic	Install edge protection (top rail at 900 mm minimum, mid rail, and kickboard) on all open edges of formwork decking before workers are permitted to work adjacent to the edge. Where edge protection cannot be installed before access is required, workers must wear a full-body harness attached to a temporary horizontal lifeline or static anchor rated to AS/NZS 1891.4, positioned to limit fall distance to less than 600 mm to any lower surface. Conduct daily inspection of edge protection and document findings in the site safety register.	Moderate	Formwork Supervisor / All Workers
Falls through incomplete decking sections	Catastrophic	Never leave incomplete deck sections unprotected. Fit a 'DANGER — INCOMPLETE DECK' sign and physically barricade any open area immediately when work is paused. Ensure decking panels are secured against wind uplift and accidental displacement using formwork clips or ties per manufacturer's instructions. Conduct a pre-shift inspection of all deck sections to confirm completeness before workers are allowed on the deck.	Moderate	Formwork Supervisor / Shift Supervisor

3.Pre-Pour Inspection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Structural deficiency or missing components not identified before pour	Catastrophic	Conduct a formal hold-point pre-pour inspection using a documented checklist covering: all shoring plumb and at design spacing, all base plates on firm bearing, all ties and wedges in place and tight, edge protection complete, safe access maintained, and no unauthorised modifications. Inspection must be signed off by the site supervisor and the formwork engineer or their nominated representative. Concrete pour must not commence until written clearance is issued.	Low	Formwork Engineer / Site Supervisor

4.Concrete Pour on Formwork

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Blowout or formwork failure during pour from excessive concrete pressure	Catastrophic	Coordinate with the concrete supplier to confirm design pour rate does not exceed the rate assumed in the formwork design. Concrete must be placed in layers not exceeding 300 mm and spread across the full deck before the next layer is placed — never dump the full load in one location. Deploy formwork monitors (vibration sensors or visual inspectors) to watch for bulging or movement during the pour. Establish an emergency stop signal and ensure all workers know to move to a safe area immediately if the signal is given.	Moderate	Formwork Supervisor / Concrete Foreman

5.Formwork Stripping

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Premature stripping before concrete reaches design strength	Catastrophic	Do not strip any formwork until concrete has achieved the minimum specified compressive strength (typically 75% of f'c or as directed by the engineer). Confirm strength via field-cured test cylinders tested by a NATA-accredited laboratory, or via maturity monitoring where permitted by the design engineer. Stripping authority must be given in writing by the engineer. Remove props from the outermost point inward, never from a central support outward. Workers must not stand directly below any suspended panel being lowered.	Low	Site Engineer / Formwork Supervisor
Manual handling injuries during panel removal	Moderate	Use mechanical assists (crane, forklift, form stripping jacks) for panels exceeding 25 kg. For panels below 25 kg, two-person lift is required. Workers are briefed on correct lifting technique: back straight, knees bent, load close to body. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling rough timber formwork edges. Stack stripped panels in a stable designated laydown area — no stacking above 1.5 m height without restraint.	Low	All Workers / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________