Working at Heights Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template

Workers are increasingly exposed to the risk of falling, harsh weather conditions, unstable surfaces and other hazards when working at heights. To manage these risks, you need to plan ahead, identify hazards, set up fall arrest systems and other control measures, wear the right protective gear and provide training - all of which should be outlined in your SWMS.

When writing your own method statements, it's important to include these key sections for any good working at heights SWMS:

• Organisation details
• Project details
• Detailed and specific instructions for working at heights
• Licensing and training requirements
• List of plant or equipment to be used
• List of PPE to be used
• Legislations, codes and/or standards applicable to the project
• Job steps including potential hazards, controls and related documents (if any)
• Signoff fields for persons responsible for compliance, monitoring and review of the working at heights SWMS. These may include:
  • Safety manager
  • Project director
  • Painter

Alternatively, you can use our downloadable and editable safe work method statement for working at heights template to get started immediately.