Carpentry

Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Safe work method statements are an important part of preparing for any high risk construction work (HRCW). Hear from our inspector, Brian Chamberlain on why these documents are so vital.

Learn about Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Safe work method statements (SWMS) tip 1

Safe work method statements (SWMS) tip 2

Safe work method statements (SWMS) tip 3

A construction worker wearing safety gear.

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Construction: Carpenters

These are the most common injuries and hazards for people working in the carpentry and joinery trade, as shown by injury claims.

Safety solutions

WorkSafe expects employers to have safety solutions in place to protect workers from the most common sources of injury.

Hazards and solutions

Hazard 1
Lifting pushing pulling and handling materials
Arrange for bulky materials to be delivered to the final work location, or use mechanical load shifting devices (eg cranes, material hoists, forklifts, hand trucks) to move materials around the site.

Provide lifting points or handles for heavy or awkward loads.

Order materials in smaller sizes (eg 20kg bags instead of 40kg bags).

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg gloves, knee protection pads).

Ensure employees are provided with appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long trousers, boots).

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation) or work that requires a significant amount of high force

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm / wrist.

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

14 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 2
Noise
Ensure employees are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

Arrange for a noise assessment if employees are exposed to excessive noise (eg workers have to raise their voices to communicate over a distance of one metre) and there is uncertainty as to whether employees exposure may have exceeded the noise exposure standard.

Eliminate or minimise the source of noise (eg enclose or isolate noisy machinery, reduce vibration, use barriers to absorb and screens to block the direct path of sound, use silencers on air exhausts, exhaust pneumatics out of the area, buy the quietest tools / machinery available).

Place warning signs in areas of excessive and continual noise (eg where employees exposure is likely to exceed the exposure standard).

Warn other workers nearby that you will be undertaking noisy work and advise them to move away or wear hearing protection.

Provide hearing equipment and ensure it is worn at all times, and provide employees with audiometric testing. Employers should provide a choice of different types of hearing protection appropriate to the noise level in the workplace.
Hazard 3
Slips trips and falls
Provide appropriate height access equipment, and use the highest level of falls prevention measures (eg guard railing, physical barriers or perimeter scaffolding) as is reasonably practicable.

Ensure all working areas and access ways are clean, level, well-lit and in good condition.

Remove unwanted material and construction waste regularly from site so it does not accumulate.

Ensure construction materials, power leads, tools and equipment are positioned and secured to avoid creating trip hazards.

Ensure employees wear appropriate safety boots (eg that fit well and are in good repair).

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm / wrist.

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

14 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 4
Using hand tools
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg ergonomically designed power tools that are lightweight, low vibration, noise restricted and fitted with clutches and safety guards) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Train employees, especially young workers, in the selection and use of hand tools and how to safely use them (eg avoid working in front of face and always work away from the body).

Provide specific instructions on the safe use of nail guns (eg not to carry with the trigger depressed or use in bump fire mode in close proximity to other workers) and supervise young workers using them.

Monitor the use of the nail guns to ensure safe systems of work are being maintained.

Ensure power saws are not used unless the blade guards are functioning correctly.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg work gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, and safety glasses for using powered hand tools and nail guns) for employees.

Ensure exposed nails are knocked in.

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation) or work that requires a significant amount of high force.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm / wrist.
Hazard 5
Working at ground or floor level
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg tables, benches or stands to bring work to waist height or use tools with extension handles such as nail guns and caulking guns) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg knee pads) for employees.

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation).

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.
Hazard 6
Working overhead or above shoulders
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg mechanical devices to lift and hold beams in position, scissor lifts to allow employees to work without having to reach above their head).

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

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Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Information for every trade

Construction: Carpenters

Safety solutions

Hazards and solutions

Lifting pushing pulling and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using hand tools

Working at ground or floor level

Working overhead or above shoulders

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Carpentry

Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Information for every trade

Construction: Carpenters

Safety solutions

Hazards and solutions

Lifting pushing pulling and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using hand tools

Working at ground or floor level

Working overhead or above shoulders

You might also need

Compliance codes

Licences and training

Insurance, claims and recovery

Employer obligations

Workplace resources

Understand WorkSafe

﻿﻿﻿Injury hotspots

'If you are injured at work' poster

Silica dust can be toxic.

From the first cut.

Latest updates

High-pressure water jetting

Construction site visits highlight safety issues

Man accused of assaulting WorkSafe inspector

Injury hotspots