Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template
Start with a free 30-day trial. No credit card required.
This Formwork Safe Work Method Statement, or Formwork SWMS, is a straightforward form your workers can use to plan and manage formwork risks before installing, altering, stripping, or working around formwork systems. Select the scope of work, possible hazards, and required PPE from prebuilt lists, then work through a ready-made set of job steps, risk assessments, and method statements covering common formwork activities.
Working at height around temporary structures that carry live loads? This SWMS breaks formwork into its stages: set-up, installation, bracing, access, pours, and stripping; so hazards get addressed at the point they actually arise, not in a general list at the top.
100% fully editable Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Export your Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) to PDF or CSV
Access Formworks SWMS Form on mobile, tablet or computer
Trusted by companies, projects and teams of all sizes
What is Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
A Formwork Safe Work Method Statement, or Formwork SWMS, is a document used by site teams, supervisors, carpenters, and formworkers to plan how formwork activities will be carried out safely. This SWMS usually includes details on the work area, formwork system, access requirements, materials, temporary support, bracing, working at height, PPE, job steps, hazards, risk ratings, and control measures.
Due to the risks that come with formwork work, hazards such as falls from height, formwork collapse, falling materials, manual handling injuries, concrete pressure, sharp edges, struck-by incidents, and unsafe access have to be planned around to lessen potential accidents. This makes Formwork SWMS documents highly relevant in Australian construction, civil works, infrastructure, residential building, commercial projects, and industrial sites where concrete structures are formed, poured, and stripped.
See how this Formworks SWMS Form compares with traditional Word, Excel, and PDF-based processes
Preview this Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) below and see how it's so much easier to create and navigate the SWMS form.
See how this Formwork Safe Work Method Statement can help make creating, completing, and managing SWMS more efficient. Preview it for free below.
Use this Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) template for free
Generate this template automatically with Storm
You don't have to build the SWMS process field by field. Let Storm, the AI Data Capture Agent inside Dashpivot, build the template for you in seconds.
Describe what you need
Tell Storm the form you want in plain language and it builds a structured digital template from scratch, with fields, tables, and signatures in place.
Upload what you already use
Drop in your existing PDF, Word, Excel, or even a photo of a paper form. Storm rebuilds it as a smart digital template with the structure intact.
Storm
Generate a SWMS process form template that I can use for my business
Applicable Standards and Policies for Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
There are generally no explicit formatting requirements for a Formwork Safe Work Method Statement. However, Australian WHS laws require PCBUs to prepare a SWMS for high-risk construction work and to document the hazards, risks, and control measures involved in formwork activities. A Formwork SWMS is a good document to support compliance with this.
- Model WHS Regulations require a SWMS for high-risk construction work in Australia
- Safe Work Australia’s Construction Work Code of Practice covers SWMS requirements for high-risk construction work
- Safe Work Australia guidance covers formwork, falsework, and concrete construction risks
- State and territory WHS laws commonly require SWMS documents before high-risk construction work begins
- Local site and principal contractor requirements commonly require SWMS documents for formwork activities
Staff Members and Parties that use Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
A Formwork SWMS is primarily used by project teams that manage formwork installation, falsework, concrete pours, temporary structures, working at height, or work near other trades. Here are examples of other common parties that use a Formwork SWMS:
- Site supervisors and project managers
- Formworkers and carpenters
- Concrete crews
- Health and safety teams
- Contractors and subcontractors carrying out formwork activities
Business Risks Reduced by Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Using a Formwork SWMS helps reduce the risk of hazards such as falls from height, formwork collapse, struck-by incidents, falling objects, manual handling injuries, poor access, and concrete pour failures. Ultimately, this can help businesses to:
- Reduce risk of injury, fatality, or formwork-related incidents
- Avoid non-compliance with Australian SWMS and high-risk construction work requirements
- Prevent unsafe work caused by poor temporary support, unstable access, or missing controls
- Lower exposure to legal claims, enforcement action, and incident-related costs
- Reduce project delays caused by formwork failures, injuries, inspections, or shutdowns
Business Opportunities Created by Formworks Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
A well-prepared Formwork SWMS helps businesses improve control over formwork, falsework, temporary structures, and concrete-related activities. Here are some ways a well-designed Formwork SWMS can help businesses:
- Improve worker confidence before formwork activities begin
- Strengthen contractor prequalification and tender-offer competitiveness
- Improve coordination between supervisors, formworkers, concrete crews, and site teams
- Build trust with clients, regulators, insurers, and project stakeholders
What Should be Included in a Formwork SWMS?
A Formwork SWMS should be prepared before formwork activities are carried out as part of high risk construction work. While exact requirements can vary across Australian states, territories, projects, and principal contractor requirements, there are some core elements that are typically included that you should know about:
- Scope of work, work area, formwork system, and responsible persons
- Job steps for setting up, installing, bracing, pouring, stripping, and removing formwork
- Hazards such as falls, collapse, falling objects, manual handling, concrete pressure, plant movement, and impalement risks
- Required controls such as edge protection, temporary supports, bracing, exclusion zones, inspections, PPE, and safe access
- Risk ratings, emergency procedures, worker consultation, sign-off, and review requirements
Why are Formwork SWMS Important?
Formwork SWMS are important because formwork activities can create serious risks if systems are not installed, supported, inspected, or removed correctly. This is critically important on construction and civil projects where workers may be exposed to falls, structural collapse, concrete loads, falling materials, and moving plant.
Essentially, a Formwork SWMS helps confirm that the work steps, hazards, temporary supports, and safety controls have been reviewed before the task begins. Additionally, it gives project management teams clear documentation of the due diligence performed, supporting consultation, site coordination, and compliance with Australian WHS requirements for high risk construction work.
How to Create a Safe Work Method Statement for Formwork (Installation etc.)
Building effective Formworks SWMS forms requires the right structure and information. In this section, we explain how to create your own SWMS forms from scratch.
Before starting your Formwork Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) form, the following pre-requisites should be ready.
- Project or site details are required.
- Formwork scope and work area must be listed.
- High-risk construction work details must be covered.
- Hazards, risks, and control measures must be stated.
- Design, load, and engineer approval needs must be included.
- Access, fall, and material handling controls must be noted.
- Worker sign-off and SWMS review requirements must be recorded.
Start with Project and SWMS Information
First, you need to place high-level general information at the beginning of your Formwork Safe Work Method Statement to help establish context for the work to be done. Here are some examples of core elements that you can use:
- Project name and site location
- SWMS title and document reference number
- Description of formwork activities to be completed
- Name of the PCBU, contractor, or subcontractor
- Names and roles of workers, supervisors, and formwork personnel
Define the Scope of Formwork Activities
Next, you will want to define the scope of work so it is clear what formwork activities are covered by the SWMS. For example, you will want to list the following information in your Formwork SWMS:
- Type of formwork or falsework being installed, used, or stripped
- Work area, level, or structure where formwork will be completed
- Materials being used, such as panels, frames, props, ties, and bracing
- Tools, plant, and equipment required for the task
- Access equipment, scaffold, or working platform requirements
Assess Formwork Hazards
It is important that potential hazards are identified before formwork starts so the appropriate safety control measures can be implemented. Common hazards that you should look out for include:
- Falls from edges, penetrations, platforms, or incomplete decks
- Formwork collapse, shifting, or failure under load
- Falling tools, panels, props, or other materials
- Manual handling of heavy or awkward formwork components
- Contact with mobile plant, cranes, concrete pumps, or nearby workers
Record Safety Control Measures
After the hazards are identified, you will want to determine the appropriate safety control measures to reduce risks for your workers and nearby site personnel. Be sure to document the following information in your SWMS:
- Formwork design, installation, and inspection requirements
- Edge protection, penetration covers, and safe access controls
- Bracing, propping, tie, and support requirements
- Exclusion zones below and around formwork areas
- PPE requirements such as head protection, gloves, eye protection, and safety footwear
Set Out the Work Method and Monitoring Requirements
Next, you will want to outline the work method so workers understand the safe sequence for completing formwork activities. This section should also explain how the work will be checked while it is underway.
- Site inspection before formwork work begins
- Formwork set-up, installation, concrete pour support, stripping, and clean-up steps
- Communication method between formworkers, supervisors, crane crews, and concrete crews
- Inspection points before loading, pouring, and stripping formwork
- Stop work triggers for damaged components, missing bracing, unsafe access, or formwork movement
Complete Review, Approval, and Worker Sign-Off
Complete your Formwork SWMS with review, approval, and worker sign-off to confirm that the work method and safety control measures have been communicated before work starts. Here are some examples of fields you can include:
- Names and roles of reviewers and approvers
- Date of review and approval
- Worker acknowledgement that the SWMS has been read and understood
- Supervisor or person in charge sign-off
- Revision number and next review trigger
Frequently asked questions
How to create SWMS process in an App or Software System
A well-designed SWMS process ensures workers clearly understand the hazards, risks, and required control measures to perform high-risk work, while enabling your team to easily document, review, and share safe work procedures before work begins.
40 minutes
Medium difficulty
Start your Formwork SWMS with General Information
It is important to begin your Formwork Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) with key project, site, date, reference, and location details so the document can be traced to the correct formwork activity. This section should use simple text and date fields for fields such as:
- Text field or Automatic Form Counter for SWMS Reference Number
- Date selector field for Date
- Text fields for Project Name and Address
- Text field for Single Day Weather
- Multi-line text field for Description of Works
Create a Section for Scope of Work, Hazards, and PPE
Next, create a section where users can select the project scope, possible hazards, and required PPE for the formwork works. For simplicity, we recommend using multiple-choice selector fields for this section, with fields such as:
- Multiple-choice selector field for Project Scope, including Civil & Structural
- Multiple-choice selector field for Possible Hazards, including Dust, Electricity, Falling Objects, Hazardous Substances, Heights, Manual Handling, Moving Plant / Machinery, Noise / Vibration, Site Housekeeping, Slips / Trips / Falls, and Underground / Overhead Services
- Multiple-choice selector field for PPE Required, including Ear Protection, Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Hard Hat, Illuminating Safety Vest, Respiration Equipment, Safety Footwear, and Safety Harness
- Conditional text field for other hazards or PPE not listed in the pre-filled choices
Create a Table for Material and Equipment Information
Users will next need to list the formwork panels, props, lifting equipment, and other materials or equipment required for the task. We highly recommend using a table for this section so each item can be recorded with its make, asset details, and required training information.
- First column for Material or Equipment Name
- Second column for Make or Model
- Third column for Registration or Asset ID, if any
- Fourth column for Required License or Training, if any
- Rows for modular formwork panels and frames, adjustable steel props and bracing, mobile cranes, lifting accessories, and other task-specific equipment
Create a Table for the Method Statement and Risk Assessment
Next, create the main SWMS table where users can record each formwork job step, hazards, risk scores, controls, and responsible persons. We highly recommend using a table for this section, with the following formatting for the columns:
- First column for Job Step
- Second column for Potential Hazards
- Third column for Initial Risk Score
- Fourth column for Controls
- Fifth column for Residual Risk Score
- Sixth column for Person Responsible
Add Pre-filled Method Statement Rows for Formwork Work
After the main table is created, add pre-filled rows that reflect the most common formwork job steps in the attached SWMS. These rows help users complete the form faster while still allowing the SWMS to be adjusted for the actual site task.
- Row for Pre-start planning, work area setup and equipment inspection
- Row for Handling and positioning formwork materials
- Row for Erecting formwork panels, frames, and supports
- Row for Installing formwork near edges or at height
- Row for Cutting, drilling and adjusting formwork components
- Row for Checking and monitoring formwork during concrete placement
- Row for Stripping and dismantling formwork
Create a Section for Additional High-Risk or Site-Specific Steps
Some formwork tasks may require extra job steps depending on crane lifts, suspended panels, structural design, access conditions, or the type of formwork system being used. We highly recommend creating an additional method statement table so users can add extra risk assessment rows when needed.
- Additional row for Crane lifting and positioning large formwork panels
- Columns for Job Step, Potential Hazards, Likelihood, Consequence, Initial Risk Score, Controls, Residual Risk Score, and Person Responsible
- Text fields for controls covering approved lift plans, certified lifting points, slings and shackles, licensed crane and dogging personnel, exclusion zones, tag lines, clear communication, and panel bracing before disconnecting lifting equipment
- Dropdown fields for Likelihood and Consequence scores
Create a Section for Risk Matrix Guidance
Next, add a risk matrix section as a guide for users to assess initial and residual risk scores for any additional job steps they may add. We highly recommend using the following fields and features to help guide users:
- Pre-filled or photo of the Risk Matrix table showing Likelihood, Consequence, and Risk Score levels
- Pre-filled text field for Consequence ratings from 1 to 5
- Pre-filled text field for Likelihood ratings from 1 to 5
- Pre-filled guide for residual risk actions, including Low, Moderate, High, and Catastrophic risk outcomes
End your Formwork SWMS with Worker and Supervisor Sign-offs
Finally, complete the Formwork Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) with worker confirmation and sign-off fields for the responsible parties. If your app or software allows, use scan-to-sign and automatic e-signature fields to keep the sign-off process digital.
- A scan to sign-on table for workers’ sign-off
- E-signature field for Supervisor Sign-off
- E-signature field for Project Manager Sign-off
- Automatic date and time stamp fields for each sign-off
About the author
Ron Gadugdug
Engineering Content Writer
Education:
Cebu Institute of Technology - University - Civil Engineering
Bio:
Ron is a Civil Engineer with 6 years of experience in the construction industry, primarily focused on quantity surveying, cost estimation, project management, quality control, contract administration, and property & engineering insurance. At Sitemate, he writes about practical applications of evolving technologies and digital solutions that support construction professionals in improving efficiency, compliance, and project delivery across the built world.
Project Details:
Quantity Surveying & Cost Engineering
Performed quantity take-offs of several high-rise and horizontal structures using sheets and applications like Revit and Bluebeam Revu, and spearheaded trials with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
Project Management & Consultancy
Coordinated with project management teams during the construction of local projects such as a 4-tower hotel & resort, a 22 storey condominium project, and a school dormitory project.
Contract Administration
Assisted during contract biddings and negotiations with general contractors and sub-contractors, and oversaw progress reporting, billings, and payment.
Property & Engineering Insurance
Dedicated non-life claims handler, overseeing property and contractor all-risk insurance claims, risk management, and bonds.
Version History:
Other popular templates you can use and edit for free
This SWMS form was generated with Dashpivot software
- Access, edit and complete your SWMS process from any device - mobile, tablet or computer.
- Print, download or send your SWMS process as perfectly formatted PDF documents with your company logo.
- Store your SWMS process securely online, where they can be searched and found in seconds
- Invite internal and external parties to see, edit and sign off on SWMS process online.
English (United States) 
English (Australia) 
English (UK) 
English (New Zealand) 
English (South Africa) 
German