This Roof Work SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers working on roofs, including access by ladder or EWP, harness setup and work on fragile surfaces. It covers 21 activities, from preparation and planning to packing up, housekeeping and incident response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Roofers and roof plumbers
Builders and carpenters working on roofs
Solar, antenna and air conditioning installers
Gutter cleaning and roof maintenance businesses
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Planning the job, arriving on site and securing the work area from the public
Unloading equipment, falls from vehicles and manual handling
General work at height, falls through roof sheeting and equipment failure
Fragile surfaces, including skylights and asbestos cement sheeting
Harness setup for work over 2 metres
EWP, scissor and boom lift use, including crush injuries
Dropped materials and tools onto workers or the public below
Respirable crystalline silica when cutting tiles, concrete or masonry
Weather, including lightning, wind, rain, heat and slippery surfaces
Ladder selection, positioning and use
Working near overhead power lines and electrical supply
Manual handling, packing up, housekeeping and incident response
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 21 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, from static lines and roof anchors to EWPs and fall arrest blocks
Training and qualifications, including an EWP licence and working at heights training
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for roof work?
Usually, yes. A SWMS is legally required for high risk construction work, and roof work often involves a risk of falling more than 2 metres, working near energised overhead power lines, or disturbing asbestos sheeting. If none of those apply, a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and head contractors often ask for one either way.
Does it cover fragile roofs and skylights?
Yes. It has an activity for fragile or brittle roof surfaces, including skylights and asbestos cement sheeting, alongside harness setup over 2 metres and EWP use.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
