The 18 high-risk construction work activities that require a SWMS

Under regulation 291 of the model WHS Regulations, certain construction activities are classified as high-risk construction work (HRCW). If your job involves any of them, a Safe Work Method Statement is mandatory before work starts.

Here's the full list — and a plain-English example for each — so you can quickly tell whether your job needs a SWMS.

The full HRCW list

1. Risk of a fall > 2m — roofers, scaffolders, anyone on a ladder above 2m.
2. Work on a telecommunication tower.
3. Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to physical integrity.
4. Likely to involve disturbing asbestos.
5. Temporary load-bearing support for structural alterations or repairs.
6. Confined space work — tanks, pits, silos, ducts.
7. Trench or shaft with an excavated depth > 1.5m.
8. Tunnel work.
9. Use of explosives.
10. Near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping.
11. Near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines.
12. Near energised electrical installations or services.
13. In an area with a contaminated or flammable atmosphere.
14. Tilt-up or precast concrete erection.
15. On, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians.
16. In an area where there are powered mobile plant movements.
17. In areas with artificial extremes of temperature.
18. In or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning.
19. Diving work.

(The model regs list 18–19 depending on jurisdiction. NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT each adopt these with minor wording differences.)

Hit any of the above? You need a SWMS.

Even one is enough. A residential reno that includes ripping a load-bearing wall and using a ladder above 2m? That's two HRCW categories — one SWMS covering both is required.

A common mistake: assuming "low-rise" or "domestic" jobs are exempt. They're not. HRCW applies regardless of project size.

What to do next

• Identify which HRCW categories apply to your job.
• Prepare a SWMS that lists each step, the hazards, the controls, and a residual risk rating.
• Consult your workers and have them sign on.
• Keep it on site. Review whenever conditions change.

The fastest way: use our AI SWMS generator. Tell it the trade, the task and the state — it builds a compliant document in minutes that you can download, share and sign.