• SWMS basics
Safe work method statement example: a filled SWMS for a metal roof re-sheet
A filled safe work method statement (SWMS) example for a metal roof re-sheet: HRCW, job steps, hazards, controls and risk ratings. Use it as a guide.
This safe work method statement example is a guide to adapt, not a SWMS to copy unchanged: every SWMS must reflect the actual site and task.
This is an illustrative SWMS for a common job: replacing corrugated metal roof sheeting on a two-storey house. The business and site are made up. Use it to see the layout and the level of detail a site-specific SWMS needs. Don't copy it for your job, because your roof, access and crew are different.
1. Job details
- PCBU: Example Roofing Pty Ltd (ABN to be inserted)
- Principal contractor: Example Builders (residential renovation)
- Site: Two-storey house, suburban street, Brisbane QLD
- Work: Remove and replace about 180 m² of corrugated metal roof sheeting, flashings and ridge capping. Roof pitch about 22 degrees. Eaves height about 6 m.
- Prepared by / date / review date: to be completed on the day
2. High risk construction work identified
- Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres (roof edge, internal voids, fragile skylights)
- Work at a workplace where there is movement of powered mobile plant (crane truck delivering sheets)
- Work on or near energised electrical installations or services (overhead service line to the house)
3. Steps, hazards and controls
| Step | Hazards | Controls | Risk before / after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Site set-up | Public and occupants entering the work area, falling objects | Exclusion zone with barriers and signs below the work area, occupants briefed, debris chute or skip placed away from paths | High / Low |
| 2. Overhead power | Contact with service line during sheet handling | Network operator contacted for a de-energised or covered line before work, no sheet handling near the line until confirmed | High / Low |
| 3. Edge protection and access | Falls from the edge while installing it | Scaffold-supported edge protection installed by a competent person and inspected before use. Access via scaffold stair, not ladder | High / Low |
| 4. Crane delivery of sheets | Crane truck contact with people or power, falling load | Licensed operator and dogman, lift plan, exclusion zone under the load, controls for the line confirmed (step 2) | High / Low |
| 5. Remove old sheeting | Falls through brittle sheets or skylights, sharp edges, manual handling | Skylights covered or meshed, work from purlins, cut-resistant gloves, sheets lowered in bundles, not thrown | High / Medium |
| 6. Install new sheets and flashings | Wind catching sheets, falls, cuts, hot surfaces | Stop work when wind gusts make sheets hard to control, sheets secured as laid, shade and water breaks in heat | Medium / Low |
| 7. Clean-up and pack-down | Falls during dismantling, swarf and offcuts | Edge protection removed last, swarf swept daily, magnetic sweep around the house | Medium / Low |
Ratings use a 5x5 likelihood x consequence matrix. A matrix is common practice, not a legal requirement.
4. Plant, licences, permits and PPE
- Crane truck: operator with the relevant high risk work licence, plus a licensed dogger for the lift
- Scaffold: erected by a licensed scaffolder where the scaffold licence threshold applies, with handover certificate
- PPE: safety boots, cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection for cutting, sun protection
5. Emergency arrangements
Rescue plan for a fall or a person stuck at height, first aid kit and trained first aider on site, nearest hospital listed, emergency services number (000) displayed.
6. Monitoring, review and sign-on
The supervisor checks edge protection and exclusion zones each morning. The SWMS is reviewed if weather, crew, access or the scope changes, or after any incident. All workers read the SWMS, raise concerns and sign on before starting. A copy is given to the principal contractor before work starts and kept on site until the job is done.
What makes this a good SWMS
- It names the HRCW categories, as regulation 299 requires.
- Each control is specific to this house, not "use PPE".
- Higher-order controls (edge protection, de-energised line) come before PPE.
- It says who checks what, and when.
In Queensland, housing work with a fall of 3 metres or more needs fall prevention or fall arrest controls, so the scaffold edge protection here is required, not optional. See SWMS requirements by state.
Make your own
Our roofing SWMS page covers the usual roofing hazards. To draft one for your job, describe it in the SWMS generator and edit the result for your site. Creating an account and drafting are free with no card. Downloading the PDF is on the $20 AUD/month plan, which covers unlimited documents.
Sources: Model WHS Regulations, regulations 291 and 299; Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Managing the risk of falls while working on roofs in housing construction. Illustrative example only, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I copy a SWMS example for my job?
Use it as a guide, not a document to copy unchanged. A SWMS must be specific to the work, the site and the controls you will actually use, and be reviewed with workers. Use the SWMS generator to draft one free with a free account; PDF download/export needs the $20 AUD/month or $200 AUD/year plan. Draft a site-specific SWMS.
Check the official guidance
A SWMS sets out the high-risk construction activities, their hazards and the controls to use. Prepare it before the work starts, adapt it to the site and review it when the work or controls change. Consult the people doing the work. An AI draft or example needs review before use.
- Safe Work Australia: preparing and using a SWMS
- WorkSafe Victoria: SWMS duties under Victorian OHS rules
Model WHS guidance and Victorian requirements differ. Check the rules that apply to your workplace.
Generate your next SWMS in 3 minutes
AI-written. State-aware. $20/month for unlimited documents, cancel anytime.
Create a free account →