Roofing

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: Roofers

These are the most common injuries and hazards for people working in the roof construction industry, 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 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, tile hoists, trolleys) to move materials around site.

Cover sharp edges of metal sheeting and strips.

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

Provide appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment (eg long trousers, boots, knee protection pads, puncture / impact resistant gloves) and ensure it is used.

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

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

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons leg.

32 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.

13 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, 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.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons ear.
Hazard 3
Slips trips and falls
Provide appropriate height access equipment, use the highest level of fall prevention (eg work from mobile scaffolds, scissor / boom lifts instead of step platforms or ladders) as is reasonably practicable.

If step platforms or ladders are used, ensure they are suitable for the work, correctly positioned and set up and tied-off.

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

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

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

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

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

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons ankle.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons leg.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 4
Using hand tools
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg power tools that are ergonomically designed, 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 appropriate personal protective equipment (eg hard hats, gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, hearing protection, respiratory protection, suitable eyewear).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long pants, 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.

32 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.
Hazard 5
Working below knee level
Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation).

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

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.

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'If you are injured at work' poster

Employers must display an 'if you are injured at work' poster in every workplace. You can download and print a poster in English as well as Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

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Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Information for every trade

Construction: Roofers

Safety solutions

Hazards and solutions

Lifting pushing and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using hand tools

Working below knee level

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