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

Precast Concrete Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the delivery, handling, and installation of precast concrete elements including beams, columns, stairs, and wall panels, covering crane operations, rigging, and structural connection works.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hatSteel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vestSafety harness and lanyard (for elevated work)Safety glassesCut-resistant work gloves

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
•Work involving the use of a crane, hoist or other powered lifting device
•Formwork or falsework

Risk Assessment

1.Precast Element Delivery and Unloading

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Element topple from delivery vehicle during unloading	Catastrophic	Deliveries must be pre-planned with the crane operator and licensed rigger to confirm element weights, rigging method, and vehicle positioning before the truck arrives. The delivery area must be level, firm, and capable of supporting the combined vehicle and load weight. Unloading sequence must be coordinated so that remaining elements on the vehicle remain stable after each lift. Rigger confirms all elements have dedicated lift points before unloading commences.	Low	Rigger / Crane Operator / Site Supervisor
Struck by swinging precast element during crane unloading	Catastrophic	Establish an exclusion zone equal to the maximum swing radius of the crane plus the longest element dimension. Control access using barriers and a banksman. Only the rigger/dogman may be within the exclusion zone during lifts. Workers not involved in the lift must remain in a designated safe zone. Use two tag lines on all elements to prevent uncontrolled swinging.	Moderate	Dogman / Crane Operator / Site Supervisor

2.Rigging and Lifting Precast Elements

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Rigging failure due to incorrect sling selection or damaged hardware	Catastrophic	All rigging equipment must be inspected by the licensed rigger before each lift. Discard any sling, shackle, or connector showing cuts, abrasion, kinking, corrosion, or deformation. Confirm WLL markings on every component match or exceed the load. Rigging arrangement must be per the precast manufacturer's lift drawing or engineer-certified rigging plan. Record pre-lift inspection in the crane lift register.	Low	Licensed Rigger

3.Element Placement and Alignment

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Workers hands or feet crushed between element and supporting structure	High	Workers must never place hands or feet between a suspended precast element and its bearing surface. Use remote guidance tools (guide bars, rope guides) or sacrificial timber blocks to align elements without direct body contact. Crane operator to lower elements slowly (maximum 0.3 m/s) when within 500 mm of bearing. Workers signal 'stop' via radio/hand signal to crane operator if alignment requires adjustment; crane holds position while workers reposition with guide bars only.	Low	Rigger / Crane Operator / All Workers
Element slipping off bearing due to inadequate bearing area	Catastrophic	Confirm bearing width and length against the structural engineer's drawings before releasing from crane. Minimum bearing must be achieved on all support points simultaneously before the crane releases load. If minimum bearing is not achieved on first placement, re-lift the element and adjust the supporting structure or temporary packing. Do not use timber wedges as sole permanent bearing without engineer approval.	Low	Site Engineer / Rigger

4.Structural Connections and Grouting

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Chemical burns from cementitious grout or epoxy resin contact	Moderate	Workers handling grout or epoxy wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves. Review SDS for grout products before commencement. In the event of skin contact, flush with water for 15 minutes. Eye contact with grout requires immediate flushing with copious water for 20 minutes and medical assessment. Provide eyewash station within 10 metres of all grouting operations.	Low	All Workers / Site Supervisor

5.Working at Height During Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Falls from height when installing connections on elevated elements	Catastrophic	Where workers must access the top of precast columns or beams above 2 m, an engineered work platform (EWP, scaffolding, or MEWP) must be provided. Workers must not free-climb precast elements. If temporary platform cannot be provided, workers must wear a full-body harness attached to a certified anchor point on the element or structure. Anchor must be rated to AS/NZS 1891.4 and inspected by the site supervisor before use. Edge protection must be installed on all decks as soon as the first elements are placed.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / All Workers

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: ___________________