Product Overview

This Scaffolding Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed, ready-to-use safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for all stages of scaffolding work on Australian worksites. It provides comprehensive coverage of scaffolding planning, erection, alteration, use, inspection, dismantling, and specialised issues such as bird’s nest scaffolding, supporting High Risk Construction Work and ongoing WHS compliance.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Identification and control of risks associated with bird’s nest scaffolding, including build-up of debris, tangled components, and unsafe access points
• Planning and design of scaffold layouts to ensure safe access, egress, loading and integration with other site activities
• Selection, inspection and use of scaffold components, planks, ledgers, transoms, ties and bracing to maintain structural integrity
• Erection of prefabricated and tube-and-coupler scaffolding systems by competent and, where required, licensed scaffolders
• Safe methods for altering, extending or modifying existing scaffolds without compromising stability or load capacity
• Use of scaffolding as a working platform, including edge protection, fall prevention, and control of falling objects
• Housekeeping and management of loose materials, offcuts, and debris that can create bird’s nest conditions or trip hazards on scaffolds
• Inspection regimes for daily pre-start checks, post-modification inspections, and formal periodic scaffold inspections
• Tagging systems and authorisation procedures to clearly indicate scaffold status (safe to use, incomplete, or out of service)
• Safe access to and from scaffolds, including the use of internal ladders, stair modules, and protected access ways
• Manual handling of scaffold components, including lifting techniques and use of mechanical aids to minimise musculoskeletal injuries
• Working near overhead powerlines and services when erecting or using scaffolds, including exclusion zones and consultation with utilities
• Weather-related controls for high winds, rain and storms, including securing, restricting use, or partial dismantling of scaffolds
• Emergency response procedures for scaffold collapse, structural failure, or worker fall, including rescue planning and communication

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for scaffolders, construction contractors, builders, maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for planning, erecting, using, or inspecting scaffolding on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with construction work, including scaffolding and working at height
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for preventing falls from and around scaffolds
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Risk management principles for scaffolding as plant
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series): Requirements for design, erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding systems
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for Scaffolding: Practical guidance for safe scaffolding practices and supervision
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017