Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement

Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement

Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next government tender - the Elevating Work Platform Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easy to integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Elevating Work Platform Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Pre-start checks
  8. Travel
  9. Security of worksite
  10. Working at heights
  11. On completion

The Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Elevating Work Platform Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Do not exit an elevated boom or scissor lift platform unless properly trained.
  2. Do not climb down from the platform when it is raised.
  3. Do not sit, stand or climb on the platform guardrails.

Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement

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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMSTemplate and then adjust the document for each different elevating work platform EWP project as needed, making sure that your Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own elevating work platform EWP SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS such as:

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to elevating work platform EWP work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the elevating work platform EWP work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the elevating work platform EWP work being done.
  • Any changes added to the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the elevating work platform EWP work is completed. Where the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement, the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the elevating work platform EWP work outlined in the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as: 

Your Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc 

The Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to elevating work platform EWP work are revised.The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers(including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the ElevatingWork Platform EWP and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace. 

When the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the elevating work platform EWP work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the elevating work platform EWP work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS.

When preparing your Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.  

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Elevating Work Platform EWP.

When writing your Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Elevating Work Platform EWP in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for elevating work platform EWP work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Elevating Work Platform EWP
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Elevating Work Platform EWP operations
  • Ensure the Elevating Work Platform EWP and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting elevating work platform EWP work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented. 

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with elevating work platform EWP and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the elevating work platform EWP work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct elevating work platform EWP work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting elevating work platform EWP work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS details
  5. If conducting Elevating Work Platform EWP at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for elevating work platform EWP work

Elevating Work Platform EWP Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Elevating Work Platform EWP as well as any qualifications that maybe required for various elevating work platform EWP projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Elevating Work Platform EWP operations and elevating work platform EWP work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Elevating Work Platform EWP SWMS 

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Elevating Work Platform EWP Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Make sure the battery is charged fully before the EWP is used for working at any height.
  • Before any operation, inspect all liquid levels such as hydraulic oil, coolant, oil, fuel, etc.
  • Before commencing use of an EWP, inspect all controls for proper operation.
  • Before commencing, inspect and ensure all movements are steady and smooth.
  • Inspect the operation of outriggers, stops, brakes, etc., to make sure the unit will remain immovable with the boom extended.
  • Make sure that the gate/s and the guard fence close and remain secure.
  • Never use the EWP with a low battery.
  • Always make sure to recharge the batteries before use.
  • If the liquid levels are low, top them up.
  • Never use a faulty equipment.
  • Never use an equipment that has jerky movements.
  • Never use a unit, which cannot be made immobile by using the stops or brakes.
  • Inspect the operation of the gate latch.
  • Reduce the speed when on rough surfaces, or where visibility is restricted such as for blind corners, and when turning corners.
  • Even if travelling short distances, keep the boom lowered.
  • When traversing, make sure the body is entirely within the confines of the cage.
  • Preferably travel at speeds that are safe.
  • Never travel with a raised boom.
  • Make sure the gates on the cage are closed.
  • To prevent collision of other vehicles or plants with EWP, use signs, traffic cones and barricades, etc. in the vicinity.
  • If the boom is raised, do not allow access of people near the EWP.
  • Protect the work area with cones, signs and barricades, etc.
  • Do not allow any unauthorised entry.
  • Before raising the boom, make sure the unit is on a level surface. If working on uneven surfaces, level the unit with outriggers.
  • Make sure all gates on the platform guard rails are properly closed and securely locked.
  • While working at heights, never reach out beyond the confines of the cage.
  • When the platform is in an elevated position, never rock the unit.
  • Maintain a safe distance from overhead electrical installations and catenary wires. Alternately, before starting work in the vicinity, have all electricity services isolated and locked out.
  • Before raising the boom, make sure the unit is parked on a firm and stable surface.
  • Never open the gates when the platform is elevated.
  • Wearing a harness or safety belts is necessary.
  • Preferably avoid sudden jerky movements.
  • Before commencing work, identify the electrical hazards.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.