Is 2 metres measured from my feet or the surface below?

It is the distance a person could fall — from where they could fall from, to what they would land on. Work near a void, penetration or excavation can trigger the category even when the working surface itself is low.

Do I need a SWMS to work off a ladder?

If the potential fall is more than 2 metres, yes. The ladder being 'short-duration' work changes which controls are reasonable, not whether the SWMS is required.

What does a rescue plan need to say?

How you get a suspended worker down within minutes — suspension trauma sets in quickly. Name the method (EWP retrieval, rescue kit, ladder access), where the kit is, and who on site is trained to do it. 'Call 000' is not a rescue plan.

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Working at heights SWMS template

Any task performed above 2 metres using ladders, scaffold or EWP.

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A fall of more than 2 metres is the most commonly triggered high risk construction work category in Australia, and the one regulators check first. This template is trade-agnostic: it covers any task performed above 2 metres from ladders, scaffolding or elevating work platforms, whether you are a sparkie in a ceiling space or a painter on a gable end.

The document it builds is organised around the fall protection hierarchy: work from the ground if you can, use a solid platform with edge protection if you cannot, and treat harnesses as the last line — with the rescue plan that a harness legally implies.

What this SWMS covers

The typical scope of work the document describes, step by step. The builder lets you add, remove and reword steps so the sequence matches your actual job.

1Plan the task and select access equipment
2Inspect ladders, scaffold or EWP before use
3Establish exclusion zone below the work area
4Access the work position
5Carry out the task at height
6Lower tools and materials
7Dismantle or release access equipment

Hazards and example controls

The controls below are starting points ordered by the hierarchy of control — the builder helps you adapt them to the site and add your own.

Fall from the work position

Prefer scaffold or EWP with guard rails over ladder work
Use ladders only for short-duration, three-points-of-contact tasks
Where a harness is the control: rated anchor, inspected gear, rescue plan on site

Dropped tools striking people below

Exclusion zone with barricades and signage below the work area
Tool lanyards for spanners and drills used near edges
Never carry loose loads up a ladder — raise them by rope or hoist

Incorrect harness use

Only workers trained in harness use to wear one
Pre-use inspection recorded; damaged gear tagged out
Anchor points rated and identified before work starts

EWP overturn or crush against structure

Check ground conditions and set outriggers per the manufacturer
Operator holds the correct licence class for the platform
Crush-prevention plan when working near overhead structure

High risk construction work

Risk of falling more than 2 metres

This is the fall category itself: any construction work where a person could fall more than 2 metres requires a SWMS. Measure the potential fall, not the platform height — standing at 1.8 metres beside a stair void can still be a 4-metre fall.

All 18 high-risk categories explained

Common questions

Is 2 metres measured from my feet or the surface below?: It is the distance a person could fall — from where they could fall from, to what they would land on. Work near a void, penetration or excavation can trigger the category even when the working surface itself is low.
Do I need a SWMS to work off a ladder?: If the potential fall is more than 2 metres, yes. The ladder being 'short-duration' work changes which controls are reasonable, not whether the SWMS is required.
What does a rescue plan need to say?: How you get a suspended worker down within minutes — suspension trauma sets in quickly. Name the method (EWP retrieval, rescue kit, ladder access), where the kit is, and who on site is trained to do it. 'Call 000' is not a rescue plan.

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Start from this template and answer a few questions about the job — state, site, crew, method. Preview the whole document free; pay only when you download the PDF.

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Before you start

Users are responsible for reviewing and adapting the SWMS to the actual worksite, work methods and applicable regulatory requirements before work begins.