Precast Construction Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

People often ask, “Can I have a Safe Work Method Statement for Precast construction works?” “A document that covers everything?” 

The answer is not really.  Well, you could create a document that covers most areas of precast construction work, but it would be hundreds of pages long and would contain more items that did not apply to your project, than items that did. 

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) needs to document step by step how you are going to do a particular job. Not all precast construction jobs are the same! 

The steps undertaking for each job are very different. Not only are the steps different, but the potential hazards and the measures to control those hazards differ significantly.

Ensuring safety during the lifting of precast walls is of utmost importance.

Unveiling the Hazards Lurking in Precast construction Work

Workers in precast construction are exposed to considerable levels of noise and vibration, which could potentially result in hearing loss and ergonomic issues.
To ensure optimal results and safety when lifting precast elements, it's crucial to regularly test and tag all lifting equipment and machinery.

Precast construction involves various hazards, including but not limited to:

 

 

Manual Handling Risks: Lifting and moving heavy precast elements can lead to strains, sprains, and musculoskeletal injuries for workers.

Slip, trip, and fall hazards: including uneven surfaces, debris, or wet conditions on construction sites, can heighten the risk of accidents for workers engaged in precast construction activities. Additionally, working at heights during the installation or assembly of precast elements poses the risk of falls from scaffolding, platforms, or structures.

Crushing and Striking Hazards: Workers are at risk of being caught between or struck by moving precast components during transportation, lifting, or placement.

Structural Collapse: Improperly installed or supported precast elements can lead to structural failures or collapses, endangering workers and bystanders.

Chemical Hazards: Exposure to hazardous materials such as resins, solvents, or sealants used in precast manufacturing can lead to respiratory issues or skin irritations.

Electrical Hazards: Installation of precast elements may involve working near power lines or electrical equipment, increasing the risk of electric shocks or electrocution.

Fire Hazards: Precast construction sites may involve welding, cutting, or other hot work activities, which can pose fire hazards if proper precautions are not taken.

Environmental Hazards: Working outdoors in varying weather conditions exposes workers to heat stress, cold stress, or other environmental hazards.

Noise and Vibration: Use of heavy machinery and equipment in precast manufacturing or installation can generate high levels of noise and vibration, potentially causing hearing loss or ergonomic issues.

Confined Space Hazards: Working within confined spaces such as molds or formwork during precast production poses risks of entrapment, asphyxiation, or other confined space hazards.

 

Under the WHS act you must prepare a SWMS for High-Risk Construction Work. 

There are 18 high risk construction work activities defined in the WHS Regulations.

When undertaking Plumbing work common high-risk activities include:

  • Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
  • Tilt-up or precast concrete elements
  • Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant

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 precast construction job 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.

The installation or assembly of precast elements at elevated heights carries the risk of falls from scaffolding, platforms, or structures.
When utilizing heavy precast concrete items, it is crucial for designers and contractors to carefully consider the necessary measures for safe lifting.
JSEAsy Safety Software Full Report SWMS

JSEA/ SWMS Example

Below is an example of templates you may insert into your site-specific SWMS for precast construction for a typical residential project for a builder:

  1. Undertake general site induction for clients.
  2. Arrive at the domestic site with truck and trailer and establish an unloading area.
  3. Claim work area and ensure it is safe for operations.
  4. Unload the precast elements from the truck using appropriate equipment.
  5. Accept delivery of materials to the site and inspect for any damages or discrepancies.
  6. Mark out the ground for precise placement of precast elements.
  7. Ensure the safety check and proper operation of equipment, such as cranes or lifting machinery, for handling precast elements.
  8. Lift and position precast elements into place according to project specifications.
  9. Secure precast elements using appropriate anchoring or bracing methods.
  10. Conduct final checks to ensure proper alignment and stability of precast elements.
  11. Clean up the work area, removing any debris or waste materials generated during installation.
  12. Load equipment and unused materials back onto the truck or trailer.
  13. Conduct a thorough inspection of the installed precast structure to ensure it meets quality standards and safety requirements.
  14. Document any deviations from the SWMS and take corrective actions if necessary.
  15. Review the SWMS to identify any areas for improvement or additional safety measures.
JSEAsy award winning Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Software

Automating the process

When you insert a template using the JSEAsy EHS Software, 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

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

Everyone involved in installing precast panels must be thoroughly briefed on the JSEA for each stage, adhering to a well-organized and sequential process.
Precast construction workers are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment due to exposing to hazardous materials like resins, solvents, or sealants.

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.

Save time and Money!

 

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

When you buy or rent the JSEAsy Safety Management Software, not only to get all of the templates specifically for precast construction work but you also get all of the templates for all of the other industries and trades as well. 

You will also benefit from many of the Truck, Civil, and other building trades templates.

Order Now!
Thousands of SWMS templates included in the JSEAsy SWMS software.

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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