{"id":56967,"date":"2026-09-18T04:11:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T04:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/safe-work-method-statement-working-at-heights\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T06:07:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T06:07:52","slug":"safe-work-method-statement-working-at-heights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/templates\/safety\/forms\/safe-work-method-statement-working-at-heights\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":55272,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights | Sitemate","rank_math_description":"Free Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights template. Identify hazards, assign controls, and stay compliant. Download and customise your SWMS today.","rank_math_canonical_url":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights"},"categories":[147],"tags":[],"industry":[],"product":[78],"region":[80],"system":[87],"content_type":[99],"topic":[174],"class_list":["post-56967","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-migration","product-dashpivot","region-aus","system-safety","content_type-template-landing-page","topic-swms"],"acf":{"template_lp_template_name":"Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights","template_lp_gallery_repeater":null,"template_lp_template_introduction":"<p>This Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights template is free and readily available to help the team create an effective safety management system that accurately assesses hazards and provides safe instruction in completing the activities on the site.<br>\nWant to easily update SWMS forms across all teams? Once you update this Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights template, it automatically updates all the forms across all teams that use it. This feature ensures that updated measures are continuously implemented when performing working at heights activities.<\/p>","template_lp_template_name_abbreviation":"","template_lp_function":"Safety","template_lp_function_url":"","template_lp_template_image_cover":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Working-at-Heights-Safe-Work-Method-Statement-page-01-scaled.jpg","template_image_gallery_repeater_url":[55272,55273,55274,55275],"template_lp_what_is_description":"<p>A Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights is a legal document that ensures all people involved in working at heights, including those installing roof panels and those using mobile platforms, have a thorough understanding of the hazards and risks involved in the task, as well as controls to manage the risks associated with those hazards.<\/p>","template_lp_template_variation_name":"Working at Heights Safe Work Method Statement","template_lp_document_comparison_header":"Compare this Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights to paper-based forms created from Word, Excel or PDF","template_lp_document_comparison_content":"<p>Curious how this Working at Heights Safe Work Method Statement works? Check out the example below and see how quickly you can generate one, then export it as your own custom form. Fill in your details, and you'll have a ready-to-use SWMS in minutes.<\/p>","template_url_dashpivot_url":"https:\/\/dashpivot.com\/embed\/library-apps\/5d3e71ea9a01051fb0edbc0f","template_lp_applicable_standards_content":"<p>Falling from heights accounts for 13% of workplace fatalities across Australia. Most of these accidents occur within the construction industry, which is considered one of the high-risk industries in Australia. Because of these statistics, the safety regulatory body in Australia requires companies to follow the following regulatory standards:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>WHS Regulation 2011, Regulation 299\u2014This provision in Australia requires establishments to create a Safe Work Method Statement for high-risk construction work.<\/li>\n<li>WHS Regulation 2011, Regulation 291\u2014This regulation is a provision in Australia that defines and classifies high-risk construction work.<\/li>\n<li>Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 2015, section 30\u2014This legislation is a provision in New Zealand that describes the requirements to control risks that affect health and safety.<\/li>\n<li>Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 2015, section 36\u2014This legislation is a provision in New Zealand that requires persons conducting a business or undertaking to ensure the health and safety of workers affected by the hazards found at work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","template_lp_staff_members_and_parties_content":"<p>The effectiveness of creating and completing a Safe Work Method Statement relies heavily on the involvement of the following staff members:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Project Manager: The project manager oversees operational requirements on a high level. He is responsible for ensuring sufficient resources, planning, and compliance requirements (quality, health, and safety) are effectively in place.<\/li>\n<li>Site Manager: Their role includes planning and managing safety in the workplace, which is why it is their responsibility to implement the SWMS. They review and approve the SWMS, especially for activities that involve working at heights.<\/li>\n<li>Workforce: The workforce directly faces the hazards. Part of their duty is to guarantee that they perform the provided method statement; therefore, their participation in creating and completing the working-at-heights SWMS is essential. Their exposure and firsthand knowledge of the hazards also enable them to provide diverse perspectives on the observable hazards they encounter while performing activities.<\/li>\n<li>Safety Officers: These are the individuals who assess the effectiveness and efficiency of controls offered in all activities, particularly those in which employees work at dangerous heights. It is their responsibility to guarantee that safety management measures are adequate and sufficient to protect all workers engaging in high-risk activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","template_lp_business_risks_content":"<p>Keeping everyone safe also means keeping the business safe. Employers must commit to the duty to protect the firm against various hazards, in addition to the employees, who are the company's lifeblood. Committing to the practice of implementing working-at-heights SWMS for any activity reduces the following business risks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased expense owing to unanticipated downtime<\/li>\n<li>Increased expense due to accidents and injuries<\/li>\n<li>Increased expense owing to non-compliance with regulations<\/li>\n<li>Increased rate of lost time incidents (LTI)<\/li>\n<li>Delayed timetables and deadlines<\/li>\n<li>Negative impact on company reputation<\/li>\n<\/ul>","template_lp_business_opportunities":"<p>The Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights can provide all the necessary safety measures to adequately safeguard employees from potential hazards while performing their daily activities. However, compliance with this assessment provides more than just protection. Businesses can greatly benefit from this simple yet effective tool. Compliance with this evaluation creates the following commercial opportunities:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More cost savings over time<\/li>\n<li>Longer machine and equipment life<\/li>\n<li>Lower insurance premiums<\/li>\n<li>Stronger relationships among employers, employees, and stakeholders<\/li>\n<li>Better output quality<\/li>\n<li>Enhances the company's reputation<\/li>\n<\/ul>","template_lp_checklist_heading":"What does the Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights eliminate?","template_lp_checklist_content":"<p>The Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights ensures the following problems are removed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unidentified hazards<\/li>\n<li>Uncontrolled risks<\/li>\n<li>Unclear work procedures<\/li>\n<li>Miscommunication<\/li>\n<li>Unsafe work methods<\/li>\n<li>No clear responsibilities<\/li>\n<li>Improper PPE<\/li>\n<li>Panic during emergencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>","template_lp_extra_heading":"Working at Heights SWMS: Safe Work at Heights","template_lp_extra_heading_content":"<p>A Working at Heights SWMS helps workers safely plan and carry out tasks where there is a risk of falling from a height. It identifies common hazards such as falls, falling objects, unsafe surfaces, and incorrect use of access equipment, while outlining the safe procedures workers need to follow. This SWMS helps make sure the work is properly assessed and that workers understand the safety requirements before starting the job.<\/p>","template_lp_sbs_group":{"template_lp_step_by_step_title":"How to create a Safe Work Method Statement Working at Height template","template_lp_step_by_step_introduction":"<p>Creating an effective Safe Work Method Statement Working at Height template requires systematic planning and thorough understanding of work processes and associated risks. Follow these structured steps to develop a comprehensive working-at-heights SWMS template that meets regulatory requirements and protects worker safety.<\/p>","template_lp_step_by_step_subtitle":"Prerequisites before making a Safe Work Method Statement Working at Height template","template_lp_step_by_step_content":"<ul>\n<li>Detailed work scope and activity descriptions<\/li>\n<li>Site plans, drawings, and environmental assessments<\/li>\n<li>Relevant safety regulations and compliance requirements<\/li>\n<li>Equipment specifications and manuals<\/li>\n<li>Previous incident reports and lessons learned<\/li>\n<li>Worker input and consultation feedback<\/li>\n<li>Emergency contact information and procedures<\/li>\n<li>Training records and competency requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},"template_lp_sbs_step_1_group":{"template_lp_sbs_step_1_header":"Add a section for project details","template_lp_sbs_step_1_content":"<p>This section provides an overview of what the SWMS is for. It should have the following fields:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Project name<\/li>\n<li>Project location<\/li>\n<li>Activity Date<\/li>\n<li>Working-at-heights activity<\/li>\n<li>Working-at-heights activity scope<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},"template_lp_sbs_repeater":[{"template_lp_sbs_repeater_title":"Add a roles and responsibilities section","template_lp_sbs_repeater_content":"<p>This section provides the details of each role and responsibility. The following fields should be present:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Name of Employee<\/li>\n<li>Role<\/li>\n<li>Responsibilities<\/li>\n<li>Certifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},{"template_lp_sbs_repeater_title":"Create a hazard and control section","template_lp_sbs_repeater_content":"<p>This section records the identified hazards and the needed control measures. It should have the following fields:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Task\/procedure<\/li>\n<li>Identified hazard<\/li>\n<li>Severity of hazard<\/li>\n<li>Control measures<\/li>\n<li>Corrected procedure<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},{"template_lp_sbs_repeater_title":"Add a PPE requirement and emergency procedure section","template_lp_sbs_repeater_content":"<p>This section provides a list of the PPE needed for the activity and the emergency protocols.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide a field for all the needed PPE for the activity<\/li>\n<li>Add another field for the emergency procedures and contacts<\/li>\n<\/ul>"}],"template_lp_sbs_final_group":{"template_lp_sbs_final_header":"Add a sign-off section","template_lp_sbs_final_content":"<p>The following signatures should be present to validate the SWMS:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Person who prepared the SWMS<\/li>\n<li>Person who approves the SWMS<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},"template_lp_faq_1":"What is a Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights template and when is it required?","template_lp_faq_1_answer":"<p>A Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights template is a documented safety planning tool required for high-risk working-at-heights activities as mandated by the Work Health and Safety Regulation. It systematically identifies workplace hazards, assesses risks, and establishes control measures to protect worker safety during specific work activities.<\/p>","template_lp_faq_2":"Who should use a Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights?","template_lp_faq_2_answer":"<p>Workers, supervisors, contractors, and site managers involved in working at heights should use and understand the SWMS before starting the work.<\/p>","template_lp_faq_3":"When should a Working at Heights SWMS be reviewed?","template_lp_faq_3_answer":"<p>The working-at-heights SWMS should be reviewed when there are changes to the work, equipment, site conditions, or identified hazards, or following an incident or near miss that may require changes to the existing controls.<\/p>","template_lp_faq_4":"Does a Working at Heights SWMS cover PPE requirements?","template_lp_faq_4_answer":"<p>Yes. It can identify the PPE required for the work, such as safety helmets, footwear, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, and fall arrest equipment where required.<\/p>","template_lp_process_name":"Working at heights SWMS process","template_lp_process_steps_content":"<p>A well-designed digital Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights ensures automated compliance tracking and mobile accessibility that traditional paper-based systems cannot match. These platforms enable immediate updates to safety procedures, instant communication of changes to all relevant personnel, and comprehensive audit trails that demonstrate regulatory compliance.<\/p>","estimated_time":"20 minutes","template_lp_difficulty":"medium","template_lp_lower_sbs_step_1_group":{"template_lp_sbs_lower_step_1_header":"How to create a Safe Work Method Statement Working at Heights template in an app?","template_lp_sbs_lower_step_1_content":"<p>Using an app that employs digital forms instead of paper-based ones may help improve the process by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assistance with artificial intelligence (AI).<\/li>\n<li>Having fewer manual data entries.<\/li>\n<li>All produced forms are stored in a single access cloud.<\/li>\n<li>Reformatting is straightforward and can be adapted to new protocols or updated standards.<\/li>\n<li>Formula integration is much simpler.<\/li>\n<li>Workflows and notifications may be automated and scheduled.<\/li>\n<li>Improved template design and look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},"template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater":[{"template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater_title":"Formatting the project details section","template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater_content":"<ul>\n<li>Add a text field to allow users to input a project name.<\/li>\n<li>Add another text field to allow users to input the project location.<\/li>\n<li>Provide a date field for the activity date.<\/li>\n<li>Provide a text field to allow users to input working-at-heights activity<\/li>\n<li>Provide a multiple-text field to allow users to input working-at-heights activity scope<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},{"template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater_title":"Formatting the roles and responsibilities section","template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater_content":"<ul>\n<li>Add a 5-column table where users can freely add rows.<\/li>\n<li>Use the following headers for each column: name, role, responsibilities, certified, and certification.<\/li>\n<li>Format columns one, two, and three as text fields so users can input the names, roles, and responsibilities.<\/li>\n<li>Format column 4 as a selection field to provide the users with options if the employee requires a certification for the role. Each selection item can be provided with colors to make the form more appealing.<\/li>\n<li>Format column 5 as an attachment field to allow users to upload the relevant certification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},{"template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater_title":"Formatting the safe work method statement section","template_lp_lower_sbs_repeater_content":"<ul>\n<li>Provide an 8-column table where users can freely add rows.<\/li>\n<li>Provide these as headers for each column: procedure, procedure description, possible hazards, likelihood, severity, risk score, control measures, and corrected procedure.<\/li>\n<li>Format the first, second, and third columns as a text field to allow users to input the procedure, procedure description, and possible hazards, respectively.<\/li>\n<li>Format the fourth and fifth columns as selection fields to provide the users with options for the likelihood and severity score of each identified hazard. Each selection item can be integrated with colors to make the form more professional. Selection items are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.<\/li>\n<li>Format the sixth column as a formula field to automatically calculate the risk score of the hazard. The resulting value should follow this formula: Risk score = Likelihood score x Severity score<\/li>\n<li>Format the seventh and eighth columns as text fields to allow users to input the appropriate control measure and the corrected procedures, respectively.<\/li>\n<li>Add a multiple-text field after the table to allow users to input all the required PPE for the activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>"}],"template_lp_lower_sbs_final_group":{"template_lp_lower_sbs_final_title":"Formatting the signatory section","template_lp_lower_sbs_final_content":"<ul>\n<li>Provide a signature field for the person who prepares the SWMS.<\/li>\n<li>Another signature field should be provided for the person who will approve the SWMS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>"},"template_lp_author_select":[{"template_lp_content_author_id_select":"49985"}],"template_lp_published":{"date":"28 August 2026","version":"25-11-v2","author":"Felmar","description":"Content rewritten to current editorial and QA standards"},"template_lp_revisions":null,"template_lp_type_of_form":"form","template_lp_type_of_form_content":"<p>This comprehensive safety planning form was developed using Dashpivot's digital form builder, incorporating industry best practices for workplace risk management and regulatory compliance. The template structure follows Work Health and Safety Act requirements while providing flexibility for industry-specific customization and real-time collaboration capabilities.<\/p>","template_lp_script_template_name":"safe-work-method-statement-working-at-heights","template_lp_script_template_id":"5d3e71ea9a01051fb0edbc0f","template_lp_relevant_app_button":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/safety\/safe-work-method-statement-app\/","template_lp_relevant_app_photo_1":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Frame-169.svg","template_lp_difficulty_selector":"50385","template_lp_breadcrumb":"","template_lp_breadcrumb_schema":""},"custom_permalink":"templates\/safety\/forms\/safe-work-method-statement-working-at-heights","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56967","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56967"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56968,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56967\/revisions\/56968"}],"acf:attachment":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55275"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55274"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55273"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"product","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"system","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/system?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"content_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_type?post=56967"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitemate.com\/za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=56967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}