SWMS guide · updated November 2026

SWMS for working at heights

A safe work method statement is required before any work where a person could fall more than 2 metres — roofs, edges, scaffolds, ladders, EWPs, voids and openings — that's one of the 18 categories of high risk construction work. Here's what it needs to cover and the hazards to plan for.

Key hazards and example controls

Hazard	Risk	Example controls
Working at height on roofs, edges, scaffolds or ladders	Fall from height causing serious injury or death	Eliminate where possible by doing work at ground level (pre-fabricate). Install edge protection / guardrails before work starts. Use scaffold or EWP in preference to ladders. Where a fall-prevention device isn't practicable, use a fall-arrest system with anchor points certified and a rescue plan in place. Ladders only for short-duration light work, on firm level ground, secured, 3 points of contact.
Fragile roofing, skylights and penetrations	Falling through brittle surfaces	Identify and mark fragile surfaces. Install safety mesh or covers rated for the load. Exclusion zones under work area. Walkways/crawl boards on fragile roofs.
Falling objects from height	Workers or public struck by tools/materials	Toe boards and debris netting. Tool lanyards. Exclusion zone with barricades and signage below. Hard hats in the zone.

Example controls are a starting point only — tailor them to your site, your plant and the way you'll actually do the job.

Often combined with

Electricians · Plumbers · Roofers & roof plumbers · Carpenters & builders · Painters · Demolition contractors · Solar installers · HVAC & refrigeration · Telecommunications technicians

What your SWMS has to cover

• Which high risk construction work the job involves.
• The hazards and the risks to health and safety from them.
• The control measures, and how they'll be implemented, monitored and reviewed — e.g. who installs and who checks the edge protection.
• It should be specific to the site and available to the workers and supervisors doing the job.
• If work isn't being done in line with the SWMS, it must stop (immediately or as soon as it's safe).
• Review and revise it whenever the control measures change.

Based on Safe Work Australia, SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Queensland guidance. Victoria applies its own OHS Regulations — check WorkSafe Victoria.

Common questions

Do I need a SWMS for working at heights?

Yes, if the job involves any work where a person could fall more than 2 metres — roofs, edges, scaffolds, ladders, EWPs, voids and openings. That is listed as high risk construction work, and a SWMS must be prepared before the work starts.

Can I use a generic SWMS?

A SWMS should be specific to the site and the way the work will actually be done. A template is a useful starting point, but tailor the hazards, controls, people and emergency details to each job.

Who prepares the SWMS?

The business (PCBU) carrying out the high risk construction work, in consultation with the workers who will do it.