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

Structural Steel Erection — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the erection and connection of structural steel members including columns, beams, purlins, and bracing on commercial and industrial construction projects.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Full body harness and shock-absorbing lanyard (AS/NZS 1891)Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)Safety footwear with steel toe cap (AS/NZS 2210)High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)Cut-resistant glovesHearing protection (AS/NZS 1269) during bolting

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height more than 2 metres
•Work involving the use of plant — crane or hoist
•Work involving structural alterations or additions requiring temporary support
•Work near overhead power lines

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-erection planning and crane setup

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Crane overloaded or positioned on inadequate ground causing tip-over	Catastrophic	Crane lift plan to be prepared by a competent person (crane operator and dogman) before any lifts commence, including calculated weights of all steel members plus rigging, crane radius, and outrigger ground bearing pressures. Verify ground load capacity against geotechnical report or consult a structural engineer for outrigger mat sizing. Position outrigger pads on solid, level ground — use crane mats on soft or made-up fill. Never exceed the crane's rated capacity at any radius.	Moderate	Crane Operator / Dogman / Site Manager
Crane contact with overhead power lines	Catastrophic	Identify all overhead power lines within 1.5 times the maximum boom radius before crane setup. Contact the network operator to establish safe working distances and, where necessary, arrange for line de-energisation or insulation covers. Establish a No Go Zone (minimum 3 m for lines ≤132 kV). Position spotter with direct line of sight to power lines and radio contact with operator at all times during lifting operations near lines.	Moderate	Site Manager / Crane Operator

2.Rigging and lifting steel members

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Steel member falling from rigging causing fatal injury	Catastrophic	All rigging to be performed by a licensed dogman (DG licence) or rigger (RB, RI, or RA licence). Calculate the centre of gravity of each member before slinging and use appropriate sling configuration — two-leg chain sling minimum for beams. Inspect all slings, shackles, and rigging hardware before each use — reject and remove from service any with cuts, kinks, excessive wear, or deformation. Conduct a pre-lift test (lift 300 mm, hold for 30 seconds) before full elevation. Establish and maintain a crane exclusion zone encompassing the full swing arc — no persons permitted in this zone during any lift.	Moderate	Dogman / Rigger
Steel member swinging uncontrolled during lift	High	Attach a minimum of two tag lines (10 m minimum length) to all steel members before lifting. Tag line operators to remain outside the crane exclusion zone and guide the load from a safe distance. Never grab a suspended load with bare hands — always use tag lines. Cease all lifting operations if wind speed exceeds 40 km/h or if the load cannot be controlled by tag lines.	Low	Dogman / Tag Line Operators

3.Working at height to connect steel members

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Steel connector worker fall from unguarded column or beam	Catastrophic	All workers connecting steel at height must be connected to a rated horizontal lifeline or roof anchor via a shock-absorbing lanyard at all times — 100% tie-off is mandatory (use twin-leg lanyard for continuous connection). Install safety mesh below the working level where practicable to provide secondary fall protection. Workers must be trained in working at heights with a current certificate. Conduct daily pre-start checks on all harness and lanyard equipment.	Moderate	Steel Erector / Supervisor
Dropped tools or bolts from height striking workers below	High	All tools must be tethered via rated tool lanyards. Use bolt bags with drawstring closures to prevent loose bolts falling. Maintain an exclusion zone below all steel connection work. Use a catching net or debris containment system under the work area where possible. Do not allow any personnel to work directly below steel erection activities.	Low	Steel Erector / Supervisor

4.Bolting and torquing connections

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Structural connection failure due to undertorqued bolts	Catastrophic	All structural bolts to be tightened to the specification in the structural drawings using a calibrated torque wrench or impact wrench with torque setting. Use the snug-tight then full pretension procedure as specified in AS 4100. Mark bolts with a witness mark (paint pen line across nut and washer) after final torque to allow visual inspection. Inspect all connections before the crane releases the member — never release a lift until all specified minimum bolts are installed and snug-tight.	Moderate	Steel Erector / Site Engineer

5.Progressive installation of decking and purlins

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Purlin or deck sheet sliding off structure before secured	High	Rig purlin bundles with rated slings and lower to the structure level — never lower bundles onto unguarded roof edges. Secure each purlin or deck sheet with at least two fasteners before the crane releases. Do not stack unsecured materials on the roof structure. Stage materials in small quantities and distribute load evenly across the frame per the structural engineer's approval.	Low	Steel Erector / Dogman
Worker falls through deck opening or leading edge	Catastrophic	Install safety mesh under the deck level before laying sheets where practicable. Cover all deck penetrations and openings with rated covers clearly marked 'OPENING — DO NOT REMOVE' and secured against removal. Install leading edge fall protection (safety deck anchor lines or temporary edge protection) that advances with the deck installation. No deck sheet to be laid without a worker connected to fall arrest.	Moderate	Steel Erector / 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: ___________________