Free Formwork and Falsework SWMS Template
Get SafetyCheck’s Formwork and Falsework SWMS template. It’s pre-filled with common tasks, risks and controls, as well as PPE, Emergency Procedures and Communication & Consultation. The SWMS is free with a subscription to SafetyCheck and can be easily shared digitally or downloaded as a PDF.
Use the pre-filled template as a practical starting point for preparing safety documentation for formwork and falsework activities. Review and customise the information to reflect the actual tasks, materials, equipment, construction methods and site conditions for your project.
What Is Included in the Formwork SWMS?
The Formwork and Falsework Safe Work Method Statement covers common stages of erecting, inspecting, using and removing temporary structures. It helps organise the work into individual tasks so the associated risks and control measures can be reviewed before work begins.
Tasks Included:
- Site Induction and Planning
- Delivery and Storage of Materials
- Setting Out and Measuring
- Erecting Formwork
- Installing Falsework
- Securing and Bracing Formwork
- Inspecting and Checking Formwork
- Pouring Concrete
- Stripping Formwork
- Final Cleanup
The falsework SWMS template also includes areas for documenting PPE, emergency procedures, communication and consultation, along with the risks and control measures relevant to each stage of the work. Each section can be reviewed and updated to suit your project. Add or remove tasks where necessary, adjust the identified risks and document the control measures your team will use on site.
If the work involves elevated areas, ladders, scaffolding or exposed edges, the Working at Heights SWMS may also be useful. Projects involving powered tools, lifting equipment or other machinery may also require information from the Plant and Equipment SWMS. You can view SafetyCheck’s complete SWMS template library for other construction activities.
Manage Your Formwork SWMS Online
SafetyCheck makes it easier to prepare and manage your formwork SWMS without relying on separate Word documents, paper forms or multiple versions of the same file. Once you select the template, you can customise the document for your project, update the listed tasks, risks and controls, and keep the SWMS organised within SafetyCheck. This allows the document to be updated when construction methods, materials, equipment or site conditions change.
When the document is ready, it can be shared digitally with workers, contractors or clients. You can also download the completed formwork safe work method statement as a PDF when a copy needs to be provided or retained. For future projects, use your existing documentation as a starting point and update it to reflect the new site, temporary structure design, construction sequence and project requirements.
Make Your Formwork and Falsework SWMS Project-Specific
A pre-filled formwork SWMS should be reviewed and customised to match the work being completed. Check the listed tasks, risks and control measures and update them to reflect the formwork system, support arrangements, materials, equipment, access requirements and conditions at the worksite. The document may need to address activities such as unloading and storing components, setting out the work area, erecting formwork, installing falsework supports, securing and bracing structures, conducting inspections, pouring concrete and stripping the completed formwork.
Where concrete placement forms part of the project, the Concrete Pouring SWMS may also be relevant. Review the SWMS whenever the work sequence changes, the temporary structure is modified or new risks are identified. Start with SafetyCheck’s pre-filled falsework SWMS template and customise it for your project.
Formwork and Falsework SWMS FAQs
What is a Formwork SWMS?
What is the difference between formwork and falsework?
Formwork creates the mould into which concrete is placed to form the required shape. Falsework refers to the temporary supporting structure used to hold formwork or other components in position until the permanent structure can support itself. A project may involve both systems.
What tasks are included in the Formwork and Falsework SWMS template?
The template includes site planning, material delivery and storage, setting out, erecting formwork, installing falsework, securing and bracing, inspections, concrete pouring, stripping formwork and final cleanup. These tasks can be updated to suit the work being completed.
Can I customise and share the Falsework SWMS template?
Yes. The pre-filled template can be customised to reflect the temporary structures, materials, equipment, work methods and site conditions relevant to your project. Once completed, the SWMS can be shared digitally with workers, contractors or clients and downloaded as a PDF.
Find the right SWMS for you
Other SWMS templates
- Ceiling Installation SWMS
- Concrete Pouring SWMS
- Confined Spaces SWMS
- Drywall Installation SWMS
- Electrical Testing and Tagging SWMS
- Electrical Work in Bathroom SWMS
- Elevated Work Platform (EWP) SWMS
- Excavation and Trenching SWMS
- Formwork and Falsework SWMS
- Gas Installation and Maintenance SWMS
- Glazing SWMS
- Hazardous Substances SWMS
- Landscaping and Groundworks SWMS
- Lighting Installation SWMS
- Manual Handling SWMS
- Paving and Asphalt Laying SWMS
- Pest Control SWMS
- Pile Driving SWMS
- Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling SWMS
- Sewerage and Drainage Works SWMS
- Site Clearing and Earthmoving SWMS
- Solar Panel Installation SWMS
- Steel Erection SWMS
- Swimming Pool Construction SWMS
- Tiling SWMS
- Traffic Management SWMS
- Tree Lopping and Vegetation Management SWMS
- Waterproofing SWMS
- Window Cleaning SWMS
WHS obligations
Work Health and Safety (WHS or OHS) obligations, for tradies are critical to ensure workers and businesses stay safe. Tradies must follow workplace safety laws set by each Australian state safe work body which include use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper training, identify potential hazards. In some cases Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are required.
SWMS explained
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document required for high-risk construction work (HRCW). It outlines the specific tasks to be carried out, associated risks, and measures to control these risks. Building and trade contractors, and workers are responsible for adhering to the SWMS. Regular reviews and updates are essential to address any changes in work conditions.
Types of HRCW
There are 13 types of High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) that require SWMS. They include working at heights, in confined spaces, in trenches, using explosives, demolition and more. Some are very common whereas others are specific to certain types of construction and work sites.
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