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

Steel Frame Erection — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the erection of structural steel frames including columns, beams, and roof members for commercial and industrial buildings, addressing crane operations, working at height, and bolted connections.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hatSteel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vestFull-body safety harness and shock-absorbing lanyardSafety glassesHeavy-duty work glovesHearing protection

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
•Work near energised overhead power lines

Risk Assessment

1.Column Erection and Plumbing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Column topple before permanent bracing is in place	Catastrophic	Columns must be braced with temporary guys or kickers immediately after placement on base plates, before the crane releases. Temporary bracing must be designed by an engineer to withstand the self-weight of the column plus design wind loads. A minimum of two bracing directions per column must be provided. Do not erect adjacent columns until the first column is braced and plumbed vertical (within L/1000). The crane must hold load until the rigger confirms bracing is secured.	Low	Rigger / Steel Erection Supervisor

2.Beam and Rafter Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Workers falling from column tops or beam ends during installation	Catastrophic	Deploy fixed scaffolding, perimeter safety netting, or an MEWP for all steel connection work above 3 m. Where workers must temporarily stand on steel members, they must use a full-body harness connected to a pre-installed horizontal lifeline between column anchor points at minimum every 6 m. No worker may sit, lean, or walk on an unbraced single beam without an anchor point. Toolbox talk to cover fall rescue plan before work at height commences each day.	Moderate	Steel Erection Supervisor / All Workers
Crane load striking ironworkers below on structure	Catastrophic	No ironworker may work directly below a suspended load at any time. The crane operator and dogman must maintain continuous radio communication. Ironworkers must be in a confirmed safe position before any lift commences in their area. If an ironworker loses their safe position during a lift, the crane holds position on radio instruction until the ironworker is clear and confirmed safe.	Low	Crane Operator / Dogman / Ironworkers

3.Bolted Connection Work

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Hand and finger injuries from high-torque impact wrenches	Moderate	Use impact wrenches with dead-man trigger (requires continuous hand pressure to operate). Workers wear heavy-duty work gloves during all bolt installation work. Keep fingers and hands clear of bolt holes during initial alignment — use taper punches to align holes, not fingers. Do not operate impact wrench in confined or awkward positions where reaction force cannot be controlled safely.	Low	Ironworker / Site Supervisor
Dropped tools or bolts striking workers below	High	All tools used at height must be tethered to the worker's belt using a rated tool lanyard. All bolts, nuts, and washers must be transported up in a latched tool bag — never loose in pockets. Establish a ground-level drop exclusion zone beneath active bolt-up areas using bunting and 'OVERHEAD WORK' signs. Workers below must wear hard hats rated to class E at all times in the exclusion zone.	Low	Ironworker / Site Supervisor

4.Roof Purlins and Bracing Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Falls through fragile or incomplete roof structure	Catastrophic	Install catch platforms, perimeter edge protection, or safety netting beneath the roof structure before workers access it. Workers must not walk on purlins — provide temporary walkway boards spanning across multiple purlins rated to the maximum worker and load weight. Clearly mark all incomplete or unsupported roof areas with 'FRAGILE — DO NOT WALK' tape. The site supervisor must inspect and sign off the fall protection system before any roofing work begins each day.	Moderate	Steel Erection Supervisor / All Workers

5.Final Survey, Plumb, and Hand-Over

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Structural non-compliance due to out-of-tolerance frame geometry	High	Conduct a full survey of column plumb, beam levels, and bay dimensions by a licensed surveyor upon completion of frame erection. Compare all readings against tolerances specified in AS 4100 (Steel Structures). Document non-conformances on a register and obtain written direction from the structural engineer for any item outside tolerance. Do not proceed with cladding, roofing, or permanent floor installations until the survey is accepted in writing by the structural engineer.	Low	Licensed Surveyor / Structural Engineer / Site Manager

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: ___________________