SWMS and safety docs for builders and carpenters
Do builders and carpenters need a SWMS?
Yes, on most jobs. Framing, roofing and anything off a scaffold usually means a fall risk of more than 2 metres, and renovations can mean load-bearing demolition, temporary propping or asbestos. Each of those is high risk construction work, and a SWMS has to be in place before it starts.
High risk work that comes up for builders and carpenters
These are the high risk construction work categories builders and carpenters run into most. If a job includes any of them, a SWMS is needed before the work starts.
| High risk construction work | Where it comes up |
|---|---|
| Falls of more than 2 metres Work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. | Wall frames, trusses, roof sheeting and second storeys. |
| Structural work that needs temporary support Work that involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse. | Knocking out walls or replacing bearers where the structure needs propping. |
| Demolishing load-bearing parts Work that involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure. | Removing load-bearing walls, beams or posts on a renovation. |
| Disturbing asbestos Work that involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos. | Older homes, where wall and eave linings can contain asbestos. |
| Powered mobile plant moving around Work that is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant. | Sites where trucks, bobcats or telehandlers move around. |
What we would put in your Trade Pack
The Trade Pack is 5 SWMS covering the jobs you do most: $299 Ready to Go, or $795 Fully Custom, including GST. For builders and carpenters, these five are a common starting point. Swap any of them for the work you do most.
- Working at heights on frames and roofs
- Scaffold and edge protection
- Load-bearing wall removal and temporary propping
- Renovations in homes that may contain asbestos
- Working around mobile plant and deliveries
Other docs builders and carpenters ask for
- SOPs for quoting, variations and site handover
- An induction pack for new chippies and apprentices
- A WHS Starter Kit if you have employees and nothing written down yet
Worth knowing
If you are the principal contractor on a bigger job, the subbies on site will be handing you their SWMS too. Having your own in good shape makes it easier to know what to ask them for.
Prices
| Doc | Ready to Go | Fully Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Single SWMS: One high risk task or job | $79 | $195 |
| Trade Pack: 5 SWMS covering the jobs you do most | $299 | $795 |
| WHS Starter Kit: Safety policy, risk register, incident forms, toolbox talk template | $299 | $895 |
| Single SOP: One process, step by step | $59 | $95 |
| SOP Manual: Up to 10 SOPs: quoting, onboarding, equipment checks and more | $449 | $995 |
| Induction Pack: Induction checklist, sign-off sheet and site rules | $59 | $195 |
| Staff Handbook: Policies, expectations and the way you do things | $359 | $495 |
| Safety Checklist Pack: Site inspection, vehicle and plant pre-start and end-of-day pack-up checklists | $49 | $195 |
| Onsite Safety Audit: We look at how the work is done, check it against your paperwork and give you a written list of what to fix | Not offered | $495 |
Prices include GST.
Other trades
Electricians, Plumbers and gasfitters, Painters, Landscapers, Roofers, Concreters, Cleaning businesses