Formwork Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

People often ask, “Can I have a Safe Work Method Statement for Formwork?” “A document that covers everything?”  The answer is not really. 

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) needs to document step by step how you are going to do a particular job. Not all jobs are the same! Are you going to build a deck with form ply fixed to timber bearers or Install ‘Bondek’ or Similar formwork to structural steel using an Explosive Power Tool?On one job you may be installing formwork for a concrete slab on the ground, and the next job you are setting up formwork for a suspended slab.

The steps in undertaking each of these tasks are very different. Not only are the steps different, but the potential hazards and the hazard control measures are very different as well.

Attentiveness to safety in cast formwork is paramount, safeguarding workers and ensuring the integrity of structures during the construction process.

There are several hazards associated with formwork work

Ensure formwork safety during propping through careful installation and strict adherence to safety guidelines.
Emphasizing safety in foundation formwork is essential to safeguard workers and ensure the stability of construction foundations.
Erecting Bondek at elevated heights involves a construction activity with elevated risks, requiring strict safety protocols and comprehensive training for workers.

Collapse of Formwork:There is a potential for the formwork structure to fail, which could lead to injuries or fatalities. It is critical to ensure proper design, installation, and bracing to mitigate this risk.

Falls from Heights: Workers may fall from elevated formwork structures, resulting in severe injuries. Mitigation includes using fall protection systems and providing proper training.

Struck-by Objects: Risk of workers being struck by falling tools, equipment, or materials during formwork work. Prevention measures involve using protective measures and proper storage.

Entanglement and Crushing: Workers’ clothing or body parts may get caught or crushed between formwork components. Mitigation includes safe work procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Inadequate Shoring and Bracing: Insufficient support for formwork can lead to structural failure. Mitigation involves proper design, installation, and inspection of shoring and bracing systems.

Concrete Pouring Hazards: Risks associated with the pouring of concrete, including exposure to wet concrete. Mitigation includes providing appropriate personal protective equipment and establishing safe pouring procedures.

Electrical Hazards: Electrical equipment used with formwork may pose electrical risks. Mitigation involves proper maintenance, worker training, and the use of safety measures like ground fault circuit interrupters.

Manual Handling and Lifting: Risks of musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling and lifting. Prevention includes training in proper lifting techniques, use of mechanical aids, and ergonomic practices.

Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions can impact formwork stability and pose additional risks. Mitigation involves monitoring weather forecasts, taking precautions, and suspending work when conditions are unsafe.

Inadequate Training: Lack of proper training can lead to errors in formwork activities. Mitigation involves providing comprehensive training covering safe installation, use, and dismantling procedures.

Creating Comprehensive Formwork SWMS with JSEAsy Software.

A SWMS provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to perform a task safely. It ensures that everyone involved understands the necessary steps, reducing the likelihood of accidents due to confusion or misunderstanding.

 
The JSEAsy Safety Management Software builds your site-specific SWMS for your formwork operations by adding templates of the steps you are going to take, in the order in which you are going to take them.
 

Watch a detailed demonstration video on how to create a new site-specific SWMS using existing templates.

Making SWMS has never been easier, just pick your job steps and the JSEAsy safety management software does all the hard work for you.

 

Installing Bondek at height poses a high-risk construction activity.
Extracts of a site-specific SWMS created using the JSEAsy EHS Software.

JSEA/ SWMS Example

Below is an example of templates you may insert into your site-specific SWMS for typical Installation of a modular steel support frames and timber formwork.

  1. Site orientation/ Induction
  2. Claim work area
  3. Acceptance of delivery to site via crane truck
  4. Cut timber boards to size using a circular saw
  5. Installation of Modular Steel Formwork Support Frames 
  6. Install bearers and joists to formwork support frames
  7. Nail joist into place using an Impulse (gas) Nail Gun
  8. Install plywood formwork to support framing
  9. Install screws using a Battery Powered Drill
  10. Stripping form ply
  11. Removal of formwork support frames
  12. Cleaning up work area
  13. Monitoring and Review of SWMS
JSEAsy Award winning Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Software

 

 

Automating the process

When you insert a template, it automatically brings with it:

  1. The main process step
  2. The sub process steps associated in undertaking the task
    1. The potential hazards associated with undertaking the task (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    2. The Risk Rating for undertaking the task (You can also change this if you want to)
    3. The Hazard Control measure (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    4. The revised risk rating after applying the control (You can also change this if you want to)
    5. Any required PPE (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    6. Any applicable licences or qualifications required (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    7. Any preoperational inspections required (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    8. Any applicable legislation or codes of practice (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
Ensure vertical formwork safety by meticulous installation and strict adherence to safety guidelines.
Safeguard multistory formwork operations with precise planning, robust installations, and comprehensive safety measures.
Prioritize safety in concrete column formwork through correct design, installation, and training to prevent injuries

Creating Site-Specific SWMS Reports with JSEAsy Safety Management Software

Creating a site-specific SWMS is easy using JSEAsy . Once created, you can print/ save a pdf of either a full or simplified SWMS report. 

Download an example of a full SWMS report generated from the JSEAsy EHS Software.

Download an example of a simplified SWMS report generated from the JSEAsy EHS Software.

The JSEAsy software comes preloaded with hundreds of templates (job steps) to build your site-specific SWMS with.

Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) and Plant and Equipment Risk Assessments (PERA) are also included in all versions.

The JSEAsy Premium EHS Software is your total WHS management system.

The JSEAsy safety management software is available for download and install on a PC, or hosted in the cloud

JSEAsy Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Software

Process: Click the Links below to learn more about JSEAsy Safety Management Software and the process.

View an Infographic about How JSEAsy Software works.

See the different versions of the JSEAsy software.

When you buy or Rent JSEAsy you have access to all of the latest version SWMS templates, for all trades and industries.

Download the JSEAsy latest version SWMS template register.

This is a register sorted by industry type and industry specific of all of the SWMS templates included in the latest version of the JSEAsy Safety Management Software.

Emphasize the importance of ensuring safety when using Acro props by correctly installing them and following the recommended guidelines.
There are over 1000 SWMS templated included in the JSEAsy Safety Management Software for a multitude of industries.

Save time and Money!

Hundreds of templates included – 1 low price – Exceptional value!

When you buy or rent the JSEAsy safety software, not only to get all of the templates specifically for formwork but you also get all of the templates for all of the other trades as well.

Formworkers don’t just do formwork. You will also benefit from many of the carpentry and scaffolding templates. You may benefit from the structural steel and rigging templates as these items are often included in complex formwork situations.

Order Now!

A list of all the templates included in all versions of the JSEAsy EHS software is shown below.

  • You can search by scrolling through the list of all templates.
  • You can apply filters to the list by selecting an Industry Type
  • You can further refine the list by selecting and industry type and an industry specific.
  • You can do key word searches for templates.  If you can’t find what you are looking for try:
    • Shortening the search term. For example, searching for “deliv” would show deliver and deliveries, but if you searched for deliveries, it would exclude deliver.
    • Look for a synonyms/ alternate word for what you are looking for. E.g. tube or pipe

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