Working at Heights SWMS
Site-specific, delivered in about 4 minutes · free revision within 24h if your builder asks for changes
A working at heights SWMS is a Safe Work Method Statement required before any work with a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, which is high risk construction work under the WHS Regulations. It must be site-specific and set out the fall hazards of each step and the controls in the hierarchy of controls order: eliminate the fall first, then edge protection, then a work platform, then a fall-arrest system last. Roof work, scaffolds, EWPs, ladders above 2 metres, and work near unprotected edges all need one.
When a working at heights SWMS is required
The trigger is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. That covers roof work, work from scaffolds and elevating work platforms, work near unprotected edges and penetrations, and work on fragile surfaces. If that risk exists, a SWMS is legally required before the work starts, with no exception for a quick job.
The controls a builder expects to see
- ✓ Eliminate the fall: do the work on the ground where practicable
- ✓ Passive protection: edge protection, guard rails, covers over penetrations
- ✓ Work platforms: scaffolds and EWPs before ladders
- ✓ Fall-arrest: harness and rated anchor as a last resort, inspected and connected
- ✓ Protect people below: exclusion zones and toe boards so tools cannot fall
- ✓ Fragile surfaces: identified, with walkboards and skylight protection
Why heights SWMS get knocked back
The classic rejection is leading with "workers will wear a harness" where edge protection or a platform was practicable. A reviewer checks that the highest reasonably practicable control is used, not the easiest. Ignoring the crew below or treating a fragile roof as load-bearing are the other common failures. SWMS Pack orders the controls by the hierarchy automatically and runs an adversarial review before delivery.
Common questions
▸At what height do I need a SWMS for working at heights?
When there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. That is one of the 18 high risk construction work categories, so a SWMS is required before the work starts.
▸Is a harness enough for working at heights?
No. A harness (fall-arrest) is the last control in the hierarchy. You must eliminate the fall or use passive protection like edge protection and platforms first, with fall-arrest only where higher controls are not practicable.
▸How fast can I get a working at heights SWMS?
About 10 minutes of questions, then it is generated, verified, and emailed to you. It is written to your state legislation and your specific site for A$39.
Skip the template. Get the finished document.
Site-specific, verified against 80+ WHS citations, ~4 minute delivery, free revision within 24 hours if your builder asks for changes.
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