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

'Safer manual handling' poster

Posters for your workplace to remind employees that lifting, carrying or putting down objects in the wrong way can cause injury.

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Construction: Concreters

These are the most common injuries and hazards for concreters, as shown by injury claims.

Hazards

Hazard 1
Cuts wounds and lacerations
Ensure guards on powered equipment are in place and function properly.

Cover sharp edges.

Fit protective caps onto reo bars.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg knee protection pads, gloves that are impact absorbing, chemical resistant, puncture resistant).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long trousers, safety boots).
Hazard 2
Lifting pulling and handling materials
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg built-in eyes / crane attachment points to handle panels and forms, davit arms and hydraulic tail gates to load / unload equipment, mesh lifters for installing bar chairs) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Unload concrete directly into formwork or concrete pump.

Avoid barrowing and shovelling.

Order smaller sizes or containers (eg 20kg cement bags instead of 40kg).

Ensure heavy or awkward powered plant has lifting points or handles fitted.

Keep access areas clear and level.
Hazard 3
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, 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 4
Slips trips and falls
Ensure work areas and access areas are free of debris, level, well-lit and in good condition.

Position construction materials, power leads, tools and equipment to avoid creating tripping hazards.

Apply good housekeeping practise (eg remove unnecessary items, provide sufficient storage, ensure items are put away, doors and drawers closed after use, ensure employees have room to do their work).

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

Fit protective caps onto reo-bars.

Separate access and work areas.

Use caution when walking on reo-mesh.

Train employees on safe work practices.
Hazard 5
Using tools and equipment
Provide appropriate mechanical tools and equipment (eg motorised screeders, ergonomically designed handheld power tools that are lightweight, low vibration, noise restricted and fitted with over-torque clutches, tools or extensions that enable people to work while upright such as upright screed and mechanical mesh tiers that can be used while standing) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Train employees in the selection and use of any mechanical equipment and aids and safe handling methods.

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation, providing sit-stand stools and anti-fatigue mats) or work that requires a significant amount of high force.

Provide appropriate personal protective (eg knee pads, hard hats, suitable gloves / eyewear / hearing protection and respiratory protection, gloves that are impact absorbing, chemical resistant, puncture resistant).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long trousers, safety boots / gumboots).

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Concreting

Safe work method statements (SWMS)

'Safer manual handling' poster

Construction: Concreters

Hazards

Cuts wounds and lacerations

Lifting pulling and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using tools and equipment

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