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

Tilt-Up Panel Construction — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the casting, lifting, and bracing of tilt-up concrete panels, including slab preparation, crane operations, and temporary bracing until the structure is complete.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hatSteel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vestSafety glassesWork glovesSafety harness and shock-absorbing lanyard (for work above 2 m)Hearing protection (concrete operations)

High Risk Construction Work Types

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

Risk Assessment

1.Casting Slab and Panel Preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Inadequate bond-breaker application causing panel to adhere to casting slab	High	Apply approved chemical bond breaker to the casting slab surface strictly in accordance with manufacturer's application rate (typically 4–6 m²/L) using a low-pressure pump sprayer. Cover the entire casting area, including areas adjacent to edge forms. Allow bond breaker to cure fully before placing reinforcement. Supervisor inspects and signs off application before reinforcement is placed. Any area where bond breaker is diluted or washed away by rain must be re-applied and allowed to cure.	Low	Concrete Foreman / Site Supervisor

2.Lift Insert and Hardware Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Structural failure of lift inserts under crane load	Catastrophic	Lift inserts must be supplied by the panel structural engineer's specified product and embedded at the engineer-specified depth and position. Install inserts strictly per manufacturer's installation instructions. Do not substitute insert products without written approval from the panel engineer. Inspect each insert before concrete placement to confirm correct position, embedment, and that thread is clean and undamaged. Document insert locations and types on the panel casting record.	Low	Panel Engineer / Concrete Foreman

3.Panel Lifting and Tilting

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Catastrophic panel drop during crane lift	Catastrophic	Engage a licensed rigger to design the rigging arrangement for each panel lift, specifying shackle ratings, spreader beam, angle of lift, and crane capacity required. Crane must be rated by a certified crane inspector to handle the panel weight plus a minimum 20% dynamic load factor. Establish an exclusion zone of minimum 1.5 x panel height around the lift. No workers within the exclusion zone during the lift. Dogman directs panel placement via radio or hand signals. Test lift panel by 300 mm, hold for 60 seconds, and inspect inserts before proceeding to full lift height.	Moderate	Rigger / Crane Operator / Dogman
Panel swinging and striking workers or structure	Catastrophic	Attach a minimum of two independent tag lines (manila or polypropylene, minimum 18 mm diameter) to each panel before lift commences. Tag line workers must stand clear of the panel's fall zone while maintaining control. Only lift panels when mean wind speed is below 30 km/h at the crane boom height — verify via anemometer on crane. If wind increases above the limit during the lift, lower panel to the nearest safe bearing point immediately.	Moderate	Dogman / Tag Line Workers / Crane Operator

4.Temporary Bracing Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Panel topple before temporary bracing is secured	Catastrophic	The crane must maintain load on the panel until all temporary braces are pinned at both the panel brace bracket and the floor brace shoe, and all pins and locking clips are confirmed in place by the rigger. A minimum of two braces per panel must be installed before the crane releases the lift. Brace design (length, capacity, floor anchor position) must be certified by an RPEA and the floor anchors installed per the design. Tag panel with brace configuration before releasing from crane.	Low	Rigger / Crane Operator / Panel Supervisor

5.Brace Removal and Panel Fixout

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Panel instability when temporary bracing removed before permanent connections complete	Catastrophic	Temporary braces may not be removed until all permanent structural connections (roof beams, portal frames, or adjacent panels) specified by the structural engineer as providing permanent lateral restraint are fully installed, grouted, and cured to design strength. Written removal authority must be provided by the structural engineer. Remove braces sequentially as directed in the engineer's brace removal sequence — never remove all braces from a panel simultaneously. Establish an exclusion zone during brace removal.	Low	Structural Engineer / 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: ___________________