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.

Working at Heights

Ladder Work — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the use of portable ladders (extension, step, and platform ladders) for access and short-duration work tasks at height in construction and maintenance environments.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)Non-slip safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210)Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)GlovesHigh-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height more than 2 metres

Risk Assessment

1.Ladder selection and pre-use inspection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Use of defective or unsuitable ladder resulting in structural failure	High	Select a ladder rated to AS/NZS 1892 appropriate for the task — industrial grade (Class 1, 120 kg rated) for all construction use. Inspect ladder before each use for cracked or bent stiles, missing or damaged rungs, defective feet, and locking mechanisms. Do not use timber ladders. If any defect is found, remove from service, apply a red danger tag, and report to supervisor. Ensure ladder is long enough for the task — never stand on the top three rungs of an extension ladder.	Low	Worker / Supervisor
Ladder height insufficient, requiring unsafe overstretching	High	Select a ladder that allows the worker to complete the task without reaching more than arm's length from either side or above the shoulders. If the correct ladder height is not available, use an alternative fall protection solution (scaffolding, EWP). Never stand on objects to increase effective height. Never join two ladders together unless specifically designed for coupling.	Low	Worker / Supervisor

2.Setting up and securing the ladder

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Ladder base slip or top slide causing fall	Catastrophic	Set extension ladders at a 1:4 angle (75°). Place on firm, level ground — use a ladder mat or foot plate on soft or uneven surfaces. Secure the top of the ladder to a fixed structure using ladder clamps, purpose-built hooks, or a securing rope before anyone ascends. Where top securing is not possible, a second person must hold the base for the entire duration of use. Apply a rubber mat or sandbag to the base on slippery floors. Place step ladders on level ground with spreader bar fully locked.	Moderate	Worker / Spotter
Ladder positioned on or near a door or traffic area	High	Never set a ladder in front of a door unless the door is locked, blocked open, and signposted. In pedestrian or vehicle traffic areas, cordon off a 1.5 m radius exclusion zone around the ladder with barriers and signage before ascending. Assign a spotter to control the exclusion zone if the area cannot be closed.	Low	Worker / Spotter

3.Ascending, descending, and working from ladder

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Loss of balance causing fall while working from ladder	Catastrophic	Maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) at all times while ascending, descending, and working. Face the ladder at all times — never face outward. Do not carry items in both hands — use a tool belt or raise materials via a haul line. Do not lean sideways — if you cannot reach the work area comfortably from the current ladder position, descend and reposition the ladder. Limit time working from a ladder — for tasks exceeding 30 minutes at height, use scaffolding or an EWP instead.	Moderate	Worker
Working from ladder in high traffic or dynamic environment	High	Assess whether ladder work is appropriate — if the environment has moving vehicles, forklift traffic, or significant pedestrian movement, use scaffolding or an EWP instead. If ladder work must proceed, stop all nearby vehicle and pedestrian traffic within the exclusion zone and barricade. Conduct toolbox talk on ladder safety before commencing.	Low	Site Supervisor

4.Storing and transporting ladders on site

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Ladder falling from transport vehicle or storage rack striking persons	High	Secure ladders to vehicle roof racks or trailers using rated tie-down straps with a minimum two strap configuration — front and rear. Do not hang ladders over the vehicle rear by more than 1.2 m without an approved overhang flag. Store ladders horizontally on rated wall-mounted brackets or on the ground in a clearly marked area away from walkways. Do not lean ladders against walls unsecured.	Low	Worker / Driver

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: ___________________