Working at Heights SWMS — Complete Guide & Templates

Falls from height remain the number one cause of workplace death in Australia's construction industry. SafeWork NSW and Safe Work Australia incident data show that in the five years to 2023, falls accounted for more than one-third of all construction fatalities — and nearly every one of those deaths occurred in circumstances where a properly prepared and implemented SWMS could have changed the outcome. The most common fall fatalities involve roofers falling through fragile skylights or brittle roof sheeting, workers falling from ladders placed on unstable surfaces, scaffolders falling during erection or dismantling, and workers falling from the backs of trucks or trailers during load restraint.

Working at heights — defined as any work where a person could fall more than 2 metres — is the most commonly triggered high-risk construction work category. It affects virtually every construction trade at some point: roofers, scaffolders, painters, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, steelworkers, glaziers, solar installers, arborists, signwriters, window cleaners and many others. If your work takes you above 2 metres — whether for 30 seconds or 30 days — you need a Safe Work Method Statement prepared, signed and on site before work starts.

This guide explains when a Working at Heights SWMS is legally required, the most common hazards that must be addressed, the full hierarchy of controls that applies to fall risk, our library of trade-specific templates, the training and licence requirements for workers, and the Australian Standards and Codes of Practice that underpin compliant fall protection. It is written for principal contractors, subcontractors, site managers, safety advisers and tradespeople who need a reliable, practical reference on fall prevention.

A SWMS is legally required under Part 6.3 of the model WHS Regulation (and its state equivalents, including the NSW WHS Regulation 2017, Queensland WHS Regulation 2011, Victorian OHS Regulations 2017, WA WHS Regulation 2022 and SA WHS Regulation 2012) before any high-risk construction work commences. Working at heights almost always triggers HRCW through the following categories:

- **HRCW Category 1:** Work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. This is the most frequently triggered category on Australian construction sites and captures virtually all working at heights activities, including roof work, scaffold erection and dismantling, elevated work platform (EWP) operation, work from ladders above 2 metres, work at unprotected edges, work on formwork decks, and work on fragile or brittle surfaces. - **HRCW Category 10:** Work on or near powered mobile plant — triggered when EWPs, scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers or cranes are used to access height. - **HRCW Category 17:** Work in an area where there is movement of powered mobile plant — triggered during simultaneous lifting operations.

The 2-metre threshold is not a safety threshold — it is a legal reporting threshold. Workers have been killed falling less than 2 metres (onto steel reinforcement, concrete kerbs, machinery and formwork). The duty of care under section 19 of the WHS Act requires the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to eliminate or minimise the risk of falls so far as is reasonably practicable, regardless of the height involved.

The SWMS must be prepared before the work starts, in consultation with the workers who will perform the work, signed by each worker and kept available at the workplace for the duration of the high-risk construction work. Failure to prepare a SWMS for HRCW is an offence under the WHS Regulation and can attract penalties of up to $6,000 for an individual and $30,000 for a body corporate per breach. More seriously, if a worker is killed or seriously injured and no SWMS was in place, the PCBU and its officers may face Category 1 or 2 industrial manslaughter charges with penalties of up to $10.8 million and imprisonment for up to 25 years for individuals.

A comprehensive Working at Heights SWMS must identify and control the full range of fall-related hazards. The following are the most common hazards encountered across Australian construction sites, drawn from SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria and Safe Work Australia incident data.

**1. Falls through fragile roofing materials.** Asbestos cement sheeting, fibreglass skylights, polycarbonate roof lights, corroded metal decking and aged tile roofs are the leading cause of fatal roof falls in Australia. Workers have died stepping onto skylights painted the same colour as the surrounding roof. Roof surveys, fragile surface identification, crawl boards, safety mesh and full edge protection are essential.

**2. Falls from unprotected edges.** Unguarded slab edges, stair voids, lift shafts, penetrations, balcony openings and perimeter gaps account for a large proportion of falls on multi-level construction sites. Edge protection (guardrails, toeboards, midrails) must be installed before the trade reaches the edge, not after.

**3. Falls from ladders.** Ladder falls are responsible for approximately 30% of all fall-related hospitalisations in Australia. Causes include unstable footing, overreaching, use on slippery surfaces, ladder slipping outward, and use of damaged or undersized ladders. Ladders should only be used as a means of access, not as a work platform, and only where the use of a scaffold or EWP is not reasonably practicable.

**4. Falls from scaffolding during erection, alteration or dismantling.** Scaffold erectors work at the leading edge where fall protection is inherently incomplete. Temporary guardrails, advance guardrail systems, harness and static line, and exclusion zones below are all required.

**5. Falls from EWPs.** Workers have been catapulted from scissor lifts and boom lifts during travel over uneven ground, struck overhead obstructions, or fallen while leaning over guardrails to reach work. EWP operators must wear a harness with short lanyard attached to the designated anchor point in a boom lift. Scissor lifts do not typically require a harness unless the manufacturer specifies one.

**6. Falls through roof penetrations.** Skylight openings, service penetrations, access hatches and uncovered voids must be physically covered with load-rated covers or surrounded by fixed guardrails. Flagging tape alone is not an acceptable control.

**7. Falling objects striking workers below.** Dropped tools, offcuts, materials and fasteners from workers at height strike workers on lower levels. Exclusion zones, tool lanyards, netting, covered walkways and hard hats are required controls.

**8. Inadequate harness use and suspension trauma.** Fall arrest harnesses must be correctly fitted, inspected before each use, attached to certified anchor points and used with adequate fall clearance below. Workers suspended in a harness after a fall can develop suspension trauma within minutes and must be rescued immediately — a documented rescue plan is mandatory.

**9. Adverse weather.** Wet, windy or icy conditions dramatically increase fall risk. SWMS must include weather thresholds — for example, cessation of roof work when wind exceeds 30 km/h or when rain makes surfaces slippery.

**10. Working near power lines.** EWPs, cranes, scaffolding and metal ladders contacting overhead power lines cause electrocution. Safe approach distances under WHS Regulation Schedule 4 must be maintained.

**11. Overreaching and loss of balance.** Workers leaning out beyond the guardrails of EWPs or scaffolds, or standing on the top step of a ladder, are at high risk. Administrative controls and supervision are required.

**12. Unauthorised or untrained workers at height.** Workers without correct training, White Card, HRW licence (for scaffolding over 4 metres or boom-type EWPs over 11 metres) or competency documentation must not perform work at height.

The hierarchy of fall prevention is the framework that underpins every working at heights SWMS. It requires you to work through the controls in order — from most effective to least effective — and only move to the next level when the higher-order control is not reasonably practicable.

**Eliminate the need to work at height.** Can the work be done at ground level? Can components be pre-fabricated on the ground and lifted into position? Can long-reach tools, extendable poles or remote-operated equipment eliminate the need for a worker to be at height? Elimination is always the first question.

**Use a passive fall prevention device.** Guardrails, edge protection, perimeter screens, handrails, toeboards and safety mesh. These protect the worker without any action on their part — they physically prevent the fall. Passive systems are preferred over active systems because they do not rely on human behaviour.

**Use a work positioning system.** Industrial rope access, travel restraint systems, work positioning lanyards and boatswain's chairs that keep the worker in a defined position where a fall cannot occur.

**Use a fall arrest system.** Full body harness (AS/NZS 1891.1) with shock-absorbing lanyard, self-retracting lifeline (SRL), or horizontal lifeline system. These do not prevent the fall — they arrest it. Fall arrest is a last resort, not a first choice, and must always be accompanied by a documented rescue plan, minimum fall clearance calculation and qualified rescue personnel on site.

**Use administrative controls.** Safe work procedures, permit systems, restricted access zones, toolbox talks, warning signs and supervision. These rely on human compliance and are therefore less reliable than engineering controls.

**Use PPE.** Hard hats (for protection from falling objects below), non-slip footwear and high-visibility clothing. PPE is the least effective control and must never be the sole control measure for fall risk.

OH Consultant SWMS offers the most comprehensive library of working at heights SWMS templates in Australia, covering every major trade and activity. Each template is pre-filled with industry-specific hazards, controls, legislative references and Australian Standards, and is fully editable for site-specific conditions.

[WAH General SWMS](/templates/working-at-heights-general) — The overarching SWMS covering all working at heights activities. Suitable for any trade performing work above 2 metres where a task-specific SWMS is not available. 12 hazards, 3,375 words.

[Roofing SWMS (General)](/templates/roofing-general) — New roof installation, repairs, maintenance, and re-roofing. Covers pitched and flat roofs, all roofing trades, roof pitch classification, and rescue plan requirements.

[Roof Tiling SWMS](/templates/roof-tiling-swms) — Specific to concrete and terracotta tile roofing. Covers tile handling, battens, sarking, and fragile surface controls.

[Metal Roofing SWMS](/templates/metal-roofing-swms) — Custom orb, trimdek, klip-lok and other metal sheet roofing. Addresses sheet handling in wind, screw fixing, and thermal expansion risks.

[Roof Plumbing SWMS](/templates/roof-plumbing-swms) — Box gutters, downpipes, flashings, valleys and overflows. Covers soldering at height and hot work controls.

[Roof Trusses SWMS](/templates/roof-trusses-swms) — Installation of pre-fabricated trusses including lifting, bracing, and fall protection during truss walk.

[Solar Panel Install SWMS](/templates/solar-panel-install-swms) — Residential and commercial rooftop PV installation. Covers DC isolation, anchor point installation, and panel handling in wind.

[Scaffolding SWMS](/templates/scaffolding-swms) — Erection, alteration, use, inspection, and dismantling of scaffolding. Covers all scaffold types including prefabricated modular, tube-and-coupler, mobile and suspended. Includes scaffold tagging system (red/yellow/green) and inspection schedule.

[Mobile Scaffold SWMS](/templates/mobile-scaffold-swms) — Specific to mobile (tower) scaffolds, including wheel locks, outrigger configuration and height-to-base ratio limits.

[EWP / Scissor Lift / Boom Lift SWMS](/templates/ewp-swms) — All elevated work platforms including boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, and trailer-mounted EWPs. Includes pre-start inspection checklist and NSW licence matrix.

[Scissor Lift SWMS](/templates/scissor-lift-swms) — Specific to scissor-type EWPs, including travel limits and floor loading checks.

[Boom Lift SWMS](/templates/boom-lift-swms) — Specific to articulated and telescopic boom lifts over 11 metres requiring WP class HRW licence.

[Cherry Picker SWMS](/templates/cherry-picker-swms) — Vehicle-mounted EWPs used in tree work, signage and utility work.

[Ladder SWMS](/templates/ladder-swms) — Extension, step and platform ladder use. Covers ladder selection, placement, 4:1 angle rule, and three-point-of-contact rule.

[Harness and Fall Arrest SWMS](/templates/harness-fall-arrest-swms) — Selection, inspection, fitting, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems. Includes fall clearance calculation formula, equipment inspection criteria, and suspension trauma procedures.

All WAH SWMS templates are available individually at $29 each, or as a complete bundle for $99 (save $46). [Buy the WAH Bundle →](/purchase/bundle)

All workers performing working at heights work on construction sites must hold the appropriate licences and competencies. The PCBU has a duty under the WHS Regulation to verify and record these before allowing a worker to commence high-risk construction work.

**General construction induction (White Card).** All workers on construction sites in Australia must hold a current general construction induction card (commonly called a White Card). This is obtained by completing the nationally accredited CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. The card is mutually recognised across all Australian jurisdictions and does not expire, but workers returning to construction after a two-year absence must refresh their training.

**Working at Heights training.** While there is no specific national HRW licence for general working at heights, principal contractors almost universally require workers to hold a current Working at Heights competency from a registered training organisation. The typical unit of competency is RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights. Refresher training every two years is common industry practice.

**Scaffolding High Risk Work Licence.** Scaffold erection, alteration or dismantling where a person or object could fall more than 4 metres requires a High Risk Work Licence. The three classes are: Basic Scaffolding (SB) — unit code CPCCLSF2001A; Intermediate Scaffolding (SI) — unit code CPCCLSF3001A; and Advanced Scaffolding (SA) — unit code CPCCLSF4001A. Each licence is issued by the state WHS regulator and requires a nationally accredited training course plus an assessment.

**EWP High Risk Work Licence.** Boom-type elevated work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more require a WP class HRW licence — unit code TLILIC0005. Scissor lifts and boom lifts under 11 metres do not require a HRW licence but do require manufacturer-specific or industry familiarisation training (typically the Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia — EWPA — yellow card).

**Rescue training.** Where fall arrest systems are used, at least one worker on site must hold a current competency in suspension rescue — typically PUAOPE013B Operate in a workplace rescue environment or equivalent. Rescue plans and equipment must be in place before fall arrest work begins.

**First aid.** A minimum of one qualified first aider (HLTAID011 Provide first aid) must be on site during all high-risk construction work.

Working at heights work on Australian construction sites is governed by a layered framework of Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards. Compliant SWMS must reference all of the following as applicable:

**Work Health and Safety Act 2011** (model, adopted by NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, NT, ACT; Vic has the OHS Act 2004; WA has WHS Act 2020) — establishes the primary duties of care.

**WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW)** and equivalents — Part 4.4 Falls, Part 6.3 High Risk Construction Work. Specific clauses: regulation 78 (management of risk of falls), regulation 79 (specific requirements to minimise risk of falls), regulation 291 (SWMS for high-risk construction work).

**Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces** (Safe Work Australia, current edition) — the primary reference for fall prevention in Australia. Sets out the hierarchy of fall controls, inspection and maintenance requirements and rescue plan obligations.

**Code of Practice: Construction Work** (Safe Work Australia) — sets out SWMS requirements.

**AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices** — Part 1 (Harnesses and ancillary equipment), Part 2 (Horizontal lifeline and rail systems), Part 3 (Fall-arrest devices), Part 4 (Selection, use and maintenance). Every fall arrest harness must carry an AS/NZS 1891.1 marking.

**AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding** — Part 1 (General requirements), Part 2 (Couplers and accessories), Part 3 (Prefabricated and tube-and-coupler), Part 4 (Suspended scaffolding), Part 5 (Prefabricated split-head and adjustable trestle scaffolds), Part 6 (Metal tube-and-coupler scaffolding).

**AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding** — competency and inspection guidance.

**AS/NZS 4994 Temporary edge protection** — Parts 1, 2 and 3 cover guardrail systems, roof edge protection and installation and dismantling.

**AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders** — applies to permanent installations for ongoing maintenance access.

**AS/NZS 1892 Portable ladders** — ladder design, markings and rating (industrial duty ≥120 kg).

**HB 212 Guide to the design, installation and use of safety mesh.**

For the full list of 18 HRCW categories, see [When is a SWMS Required?](/when-is-swms-required). For a detailed explanation of SWMS requirements, see [What is a SWMS?](/what-is-swms).

[Roof Tiling SWMS](/templates/roof-tiling-swms) [Roof Plumbing SWMS](/templates/roof-plumbing-swms) [Metal Roofing SWMS](/templates/metal-roofing-swms) [Solar Panel Install SWMS](/templates/solar-panel-install-swms) [Roof Trusses SWMS](/templates/roof-trusses-swms) [Scissor Lift SWMS](/templates/scissor-lift-swms) [Boom Lift SWMS](/templates/boom-lift-swms) [Ladder SWMS](/templates/ladder-swms) [Mobile Scaffold SWMS](/templates/mobile-scaffold-swms) [Cherry Picker SWMS](/templates/cherry-picker-swms)

[Browse all 40+ SWMS templates →](/templates)

Need a SWMS tailored to your specific project? Use the OH Consultant SWMS builder to create a custom document with site-specific hazards and controls. Every builder output is aligned with the hierarchy of fall controls, includes rescue plan fields where fall arrest is selected, and captures the HRW licence details of each signed worker. Preview free, export when ready.

[Build a SWMS →](/swms/purchase)

### Do I need a separate SWMS for each activity?

If different HRCW activities are performed by different workers or involve substantially different hazards, separate SWMS are recommended. However, a single SWMS can cover multiple related activities performed by the same team if all hazards and controls are adequately addressed. For example, a roofing crew installing both battens and metal sheet can use one combined SWMS, but a combined roofing/solar install SWMS is only appropriate if the same workers perform both tasks and the electrical hazards of the solar work are fully captured.

### Can I use a generic SWMS from the internet?

A generic SWMS downloaded from the internet is almost certainly not compliant. A SWMS must be site-specific, task-specific, and developed in consultation with the workers who will perform the work. A pre-filled template is a valid starting point — provided you customise it for your specific project, site conditions, anchor points, rescue arrangements and personnel.

### How detailed should the control measures be?

Detailed enough that a worker reading the SWMS understands exactly what to do and what not to do. "Wear PPE" is not a control measure. "Full body harness to AS/NZS 1891.1, shock-absorbing lanyard, attached to certified anchor point rated to 15 kN, fall clearance minimum 6.5 m below anchor" is a control measure.

### What happens if conditions change during the work?

Stop work, review the SWMS, revise it to address the new conditions, re-brief all workers on the changes, and have them sign the updated document before work resumes. Continuing work under a SWMS that no longer reflects the actual conditions is a compliance breach and a safety risk.

### What is the minimum fall clearance for a fall arrest system?

Fall clearance must be calculated for each anchor point, but a typical minimum is 6.5 metres below the anchor for a 2 metre shock-absorbing lanyard — accounting for lanyard length (2 m), shock absorber deployment (1.75 m), worker height (2 m) and safety margin (1 m). Self-retracting lifelines require less clearance. If the available clearance is insufficient, fall arrest cannot be used — an alternative control is required.

### Is a harness required in a scissor lift?

Generally no — scissor lifts are designed with guardrails as the primary fall protection and the manufacturer does not usually require a harness. However, if the scissor lift is used on a sloping surface, near an open edge, or if the manufacturer specifies harness use, a harness must be worn. For boom lifts (articulated and telescopic), a harness with short lanyard attached to the designated anchor point inside the basket is always required.

### Who can sign off a Working at Heights SWMS?

The SWMS must be signed by each worker who will perform the work, confirming they have read, understood and will comply with it. A competent supervisor or PCBU representative should also sign to confirm consultation has occurred. The principal contractor reviews and accepts the SWMS but does not author it on behalf of the subcontractor.