name: au-construction-swms-generator
description: Generate compliant Australian construction Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for all 19 high-risk construction work categories, applying the WHS Act 2011 hierarchy of controls, hazard libraries, and site-specific control measures for builders, subcontractors, and principal contractors.
version: 1.0.0
homepage: https://github.com/arbazex/au-construction-swms-generator
metadata: { "openclaw": { "emoji": "🦺" } }
This skill makes the AI agent an expert SWMS generator for Australian construction sites. It covers all 19 categories of high-risk construction work (HRCW) under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations, applies the hierarchy of controls correctly for each hazard type, populates a comprehensive static hazard library, and produces a fully structured SWMS document ready for site use. The agent collects project-specific details through targeted intake questions, then generates a compliant, site-specific SWMS — not a generic template.
Trigger on messages containing:
Do NOT use this skill for:
A SWMS must reflect the specific circumstances of the workplace — a generic, copy-pasted SWMS does not meet WHS Regulation requirements. Collect the following before generating any SWMS content. Ask questions in two logical groups — do not ask all at once.
Group 1 — Project and work identification (always required):
Group 2 — Site conditions and people (required for accurate hazard identification):
Under Section 291 of the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (adopted across all harmonised jurisdictions), a SWMS is mandatory before commencing any of the following 19 categories of HRCW:
| # | HRCW Category | Common trigger description |
| --- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1 | Falls >2 metres | Any work where a person risks falling from a height of 2 metres or more — roofing, scaffolding, elevated platforms, ladders on structures |
| 2 | Telecommunications tower work | Work on any fixed or portable telecommunications tower |
| 3 | Excavation >1.5 metres | Trenches, pits, or shafts deeper than 1.5 metres |
| 4 | Tunnelling | Any tunnelling work |
| 5 | Pressurised gas/pipelines | Work on or near gas distribution mains, pipelines, or other pressurised gas lines |
| 6 | Chemical, fuel, or refrigerant lines | Work on or near a chemical, fuel, or refrigerant line |
| 7 | Energised electrical installations | Work near or on live electrical installations (e.g. switchboards, live conductors) |
| 8 | Hazardous or contaminated materials | Work involving potentially contaminated soil, water, or other materials |
| 9 | Tilt-up or precast concrete | Tilt-up or precast concrete construction |
| 10 | Road/rail/traffic corridors | Work on, in, or adjacent to a road, railway, or shipping lane in use by traffic |
| 11 | Powered mobile plant | Work in an area where there is any movement of powered mobile plant (excavators, forklifts, bobcats, cranes) |
| 12 | Artificial extreme temperatures | Work in areas with artificial extremes of temperature (cold stores, industrial ovens) |
| 13 | Drowning risk | Work in or near water or other liquids involving a risk of drowning |
| 14 | Diving | Diving work |
| 15 | Explosives | Work involving use of explosives |
| 16 | Structural alterations requiring temporary support | Structural alterations or repairs requiring temporary support to prevent collapse |
| 17 | Asbestos disturbance | Work that involves or is likely to involve disturbing asbestos |
| 18 | Demolition | Demolition of a load-bearing element of a structure |
| 19 | Physical integrity/collapse risk | Demolition of any structural element that could affect the physical integrity of the structure |
Important — from 1 July 2026: Category 1 (falls) threshold is confirmed as more than 2 metres across all harmonised jurisdictions (SA amendment confirmed March 2025, effective 1 July 2026). Until 1 July 2026, some jurisdictions apply existing state thresholds — confirm the applicable jurisdiction's current threshold with the user if the work involves heights between 1.5m and 2m.
Multiple HRCW categories: One SWMS can cover multiple HRCW categories if the work involves several (e.g. scaffolding at height near a road with mobile plant). All applicable categories must be addressed.
Australian WHS law requires that control measures be applied in the following order. The hierarchy is not a menu — start at Level 1 and only move to the next level when the higher level is not reasonably practicable. This must be reflected in every SWMS.
Level 1 — ELIMINATION (most effective)
→ Remove the hazard entirely
→ Examples: redesign the task so it doesn't involve working at height; schedule work
so it doesn't occur near live traffic; complete electrical isolation before work starts
Level 2 — SUBSTITUTION
→ Replace the hazard with something less dangerous
→ Examples: use an EWP instead of a ladder; use pre-mixed non-toxic materials instead
of on-site mixing; use a lighter material to reduce manual handling risk
Level 3 — ISOLATION
→ Separate people from the hazard
→ Examples: barricade the exclusion zone around excavations; erect perimeter fencing
around mobile plant operating areas; use safety mesh on roof openings
Level 4 — ENGINEERING CONTROLS
→ Modify or redesign the physical environment to reduce risk
→ Examples: install handrails, guardrails, toe boards; use trench shoring or shielding;
install mechanical ventilation in confined spaces; anchor points for harness systems
Level 5 — ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
→ Change the way work is done to reduce risk
→ Examples: safe work procedures; work permits (confined space entry permit, hot work
permit); induction and training; supervision; communication protocols; toolbox talks;
limiting working hours in extreme heat; buddy systems
Level 6 — PPE (least effective — must be last resort)
→ Personal Protective Equipment
→ Examples: hard hats, safety harnesses, hi-vis vests, steel-capped boots, respirators,
hearing protection, safety glasses, insulated gloves
→ PPE never replaces higher-level controls; it supplements themCritical rule: "Use appropriate PPE" is NOT a compliant control measure on its own. The SWMS must name the specific PPE required (e.g. "Full-body harness AS/NZS 1891.1 compliant, attached to a rated anchor point minimum 15 kN"). Generic statements like "follow safe work procedures" or "wear suitable PPE" are non-compliant and will be rejected by principal contractors and regulators.
Use this library to populate the hazard and control columns of the SWMS. Apply only the hazards relevant to the specific task described by the user — do not copy-paste all hazards indiscriminately.
Hazards:
Control measures (hierarchy order):
Elimination: Redesign to perform work from ground level where possible; pre-assemble components at ground level before lifting.
Substitution: Use an EWP (Elevated Work Platform) or scissor lift instead of ladders for sustained work above 2m.
Isolation: Erect perimeter scaffolding with full guardrails (top rail ≥900mm, mid rail, toe board); install safety mesh beneath roof work; barricade exclusion zones below overhead work; cover or barricade floor voids.
Engineering controls: Install compliant anchor points (minimum 15 kN static load, AS/NZS 1891.4); erect AS 4576-compliant scaffold with licensed scaffolder; use AS 1892-compliant ladders secured at top and bottom; install perimeter guardrails and catch platforms.
Administrative controls: Toolbox talk on fall hazards before work starts; only workers with Working at Heights training (RIIWHS204E) to work above 2m; scaffold inspected by competent person before use and after adverse weather; exclusion zone below overhead work (radius of at least 4m minimum or height being worked + 2m); no work during winds >50 km/h at height; permit system for EWP use.
PPE: Full-body harness AS/NZS 1891.1, double lanyard (shock absorbing, AS/NZS 1891.1), rated anchor point; hard hat AS/NZS 1801; safety boots AS/NZS 2210.3; hi-vis vest AS/NZS 4602.1.
High-risk work licence required: Scaffolding licence (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) required to erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolding over 4 metres. Rigging licence for certain suspended scaffold work.
Hazards:
Control measures:
Elimination: Use directional drilling or pipe-relining technology to avoid open excavation where possible.
Substitution: Use mechanical benching or battering (slope back to stable angle) rather than vertical cuts where space permits.
Isolation: Install trench shoring, shielding, or hydraulic propping before workers enter; erect perimeter barriers (minimum 1m high) at least 1m from the excavation edge; install wheel stops at least 1m from edge for vehicle exclusion.
Engineering controls: Trench shoring boxes or hydraulic struts rated for soil type; spoil pile minimum 600mm back from excavation edge; ground anchors if required; water pump to control groundwater.
Administrative controls: Dial Before You Dig (1100) search completed before excavation; site-specific excavation permit; competent person assesses soil conditions daily; atmospheric monitoring for excavations >1.5m in potentially hazardous areas; buddy system — never work alone in excavations; review soil conditions after rain; stop work if cracks, heaving, or instability noticed.
PPE: Hard hat, steel-capped boots, hi-vis, appropriate respiratory protection if gas risk identified.
Hazards:
Control measures:
Elimination: Electrically isolate and de-energise the installation before work (lockout/tagout — LOTO procedure); obtain permit to work from responsible person.
Substitution: Perform maximum work off-power before energisation.
Isolation: Lockout/Tagout: isolate circuit at switchboard, test with approved voltage tester (CAT III or IV), apply personal lock and danger tag to isolation point; install insulated barriers around live adjacent parts.
Engineering controls: Use insulated tools rated for the voltage class (AS/NZS 1900 series); install residual current devices (RCDs) on all temporary electrical supplies; use low-voltage temporary supply (110V via isolating transformer) for portable tools where practicable.
Administrative controls: Only licensed electrical contractors to perform electrical work; verify isolation with approved voltage tester before touching; test-before-touch rule strictly applied; hot work permit issued before any work on or near live parts; maintain safe approach distance (see AS/NZS 4836); site safety observer present when live testing required; workers trained in electrical emergency procedures.
PPE: Arc-rated PPE (AS/NZS 4836) for any live work; insulated gloves rated for voltage; insulated boots; safety glasses (anti-arc); hard hat; hi-vis.
Hazards:
Control measures (asbestos — licensed work):
Elimination: Engage licensed asbestos removalist (Class A licence for friable; Class B for non-friable) before any disturbance; arrange asbestos assessment/clearance by licensed asbestos assessor.
Substitution: Not applicable — asbestos must be removed by licensed personnel.
Isolation: Establish decontamination unit and airlock; seal work area with 200-micron polyethylene sheeting and duct tape; use negative air pressure unit (HEPA-filtered) for friable removal; display asbestos warning signs; restrict access — only licensed removalists in the exclusion zone.
Engineering controls: HEPA vacuum for dust extraction; wet methods to suppress dust; seal asbestos waste in double 200-micron poly bags labelled with asbestos warning.
Administrative controls: Notify the WHS regulator if removal area >10m² friable (required in most jurisdictions); air monitoring by independent hygienist; clearance certificate from licensed assessor before re-occupation; disposal at approved asbestos landfill with waste tracking documentation.
PPE: P2/P3 half-face respirator (fit-tested); full-body disposable Type 5/6 coveralls; nitrile gloves double-layered; safety boots; decontamination procedure on exit.
Hazards:
Control measures:
Elimination: Schedule work during road closures or low-traffic periods; perform night works with full lane closure where possible.
Substitution: Use traffic control barriers (concrete TMA blocks) instead of soft cones alone for lane separations.
Isolation: Implement approved Traffic Management Plan (TMP) per AS 1742.3; erect exclusion zone between workers and live traffic lanes; use positive protection barriers (TTM barrier, water-filled barriers) where high-speed traffic present.
Engineering controls: Truck-mounted attenuator (TMA) as crash cushion at upstream end of work zone; speed limit reduction signs; portable traffic lights or road closures; VMS boards; retroreflective delineation.
Administrative controls: Only licensed Traffic Controllers (Traffic Controller training course, state-specific) to control traffic; site-specific TMP prepared and approved by road authority before work starts; daily pre-start briefing; after-dark work requires additional lighting (10 lux minimum in work zone); spotter in high-traffic areas.
PPE: High-visibility vest (Class D or Day/Night rated to AS/NZS 4602.1 — not ordinary hi-vis); hard hat; steel-capped boots.
Hazards:
Control measures:
Elimination: Separate pedestrian and plant movement paths entirely; plan work sequences to minimise plant-pedestrian interaction.
Substitution: Use smaller remote-controlled plant in confined spaces where people might otherwise be adjacent to large plant.
Isolation: Establish and enforce exclusion zones around mobile plant (minimum radius = maximum reach of the plant); barricade, barrier tape, or spotters to enforce zones; separate vehicle and pedestrian access routes.
Engineering controls: Spotters/dogmen for blind spots; travel path inspections; proximity detection systems on plant; load charts available in crane cabin; outrigger pads on stable, rated surfaces; operator in cab at all times when slewing.
Administrative controls: Pre-start checks on all plant (recorded); only licensed operators (Class of High Risk Work Licence matching the plant category); no workers under suspended loads; lift plans for all non-routine crane picks; no plant movement during shift change briefings; communication protocol between operators and ground crew (two-way radio).
PPE: Hi-vis vest, hard hat, steel-capped boots; spotter in hi-vis with hardhat.
Hazards:
Control measures:
Elimination: Use land-based methods or pre-fabricated structures to avoid work over water where possible.
Substitution: Use barges or float platforms with full perimeter safety rails rather than edge-work.
Isolation: Install temporary fall-arrest barriers at all water edges; restrict non-essential personnel from water edges.
Engineering controls: Safety net or rescue platforms under working areas over water; life rings positioned every 15m around work zone; throw lines accessible; rescue boat with operator on standby for immersion-risk work.
Administrative controls: All workers on water-edge work to be able to swim or wear PFD; emergency rescue plan documented; two-person rule (no working alone near water); check tidal/current conditions; weather monitoring (stop work in high winds/floods); first aid response plan includes water rescue.
PPE: PFD (Type 1 lifejacket for fast water/depth >1m); hard hat; safety boots; fall-arrest harness where anchor points available.
Hazards:
Control measures:
Elimination: Redesign scope to avoid removal of load-bearing elements where possible; use alternative means to achieve the objective.
Substitution: Pre-load test propping systems before removing structural elements.
Isolation: Establish exclusion zone for all non-essential personnel during critical propping and removal operations; no public access.
Engineering controls: Certified structural engineer to design and certify temporary propping scheme before work starts; propping designed to at least 1.5× the calculated load; re-shore immediately after removal; acrow props or proprietary shoring system with rated load capacity; load distribution plates on timber floors.
Administrative controls: Structural engineer on site during critical phases; propping inspected and signed off before element removal; step-by-step work sequence signed off by engineer; stop work if unexpected cracking, movement, or load shift detected; all workers briefed on emergency evacuation.
PPE: Hard hat, steel-capped boots, hi-vis, safety glasses.
(See Category 8 above — control measures are identical; the key additional obligation is regulatory notification for friable asbestos removal >10m² in most jurisdictions)
Manual handling:
Slips, trips, and falls (same level):
Dust and airborne particles (non-asbestos):
Noise:
Sunlight / UV / heat:
Every hazard identified in the SWMS must be rated before and after controls using this standard 5×5 risk matrix:
Likelihood:
Consequence:
Risk Rating = Likelihood × Consequence:
Every compliant SWMS under the model WHS Regulations must contain all of the following elements. The agent must ensure all are present in the output:
Primary legislation and obligations:
Key SWMS obligations (Regulations Part 6.2):
Penalty exposure (as at 1 July 2025 — model WHS Act):
State-by-state regulators:
Some HRCW activities require workers to hold a specific High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) issued by the state WHS regulator. The SWMS must identify HRWL requirements. Common licence classes relevant to construction:
| Licence Class | Work covered |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Scaffolding — Basic (SB) | Erect/alter/dismantle prefabricated system scaffold ≤4m |
| Scaffolding — Intermediate (SI) | Scaffold 4–25m, cantilevered, spur scaffold |
| Scaffolding — Advanced (SA) | Scaffold >25m, suspended scaffold |
| Rigging — Basic (RB) | Static lines, safety nets, perimeter safety screens |
| Rigging — Intermediate (RI) | Rigging including use of gin wheels |
| Rigging — Advanced (RA) | All rigging including cranes |
| Crane — various classes (C1–C6) | Various crane types (tower, mobile, self-erecting, etc.) |
| Forklift (LF) | Forklift operation |
| EWP >11m (WP) | Elevated work platforms with boom height >11 metres |
| Dogging (DG) | Directing crane movements, slinging loads |
| Explosives (various) | Use and handling of explosives |
Workers must carry their HRWL on site. Principal contractors must sight and record licence details before the worker commences licensed work.
Present the SWMS as a structured document using the following format:
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
Document No: SWMS-[DATE]-[JOB REF]
Version: 1.0
Date Prepared: [dd/mm/yyyy]
Review Date: [dd/mm/yyyy or trigger-based]
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
SECTION 1 — PROJECT DETAILS
Site Name and Address: [from intake]
Principal Contractor: [from intake or "Not applicable — project value <$250,000"]
PCBU Preparing This SWMS: [from intake]
Contact Person: [name and phone]
Date of Work: [start date — end date]
SECTION 2 — WORK DESCRIPTION
High-Risk Construction Work Category: [list all applicable HRCW categories]
Description of Work: [specific description — not generic]
SECTION 3 — PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT
Number of Workers: [n]
Supervisor: [name]
High Risk Work Licences Required: [list licence classes and verify requirement]
Plant and Equipment: [list from intake]
SECTION 4 — EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Emergency Contact (Site Supervisor): [name and mobile]
First Aider on Site: [name and qualification]
Nearest Hospital: [name and address]
Emergency Services: 000
Muster Point: [location on site]
Emergency Procedure: [steps — e.g. call 000, alert supervisor, evacuate to muster point, do not re-enter until all-clear]
SECTION 5 — HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL MEASURES
[For each work step:]
STEP [N]: [Step description]
──────────────────────────────
Hazard: [specific hazard]
Risk Before Controls: Likelihood [X] × Consequence [Y] = [Risk Rating] ([Low/Medium/High/Extreme])
Control Measures (in hierarchy order):
→ Elimination: [specific measure or "Not reasonably practicable — [reason]"]
→ Substitution: [specific measure or N/A]
→ Isolation: [specific measure]
→ Engineering: [specific measure]
→ Administrative: [specific procedure]
→ PPE: [specific items with AS/NZS standard reference]
Residual Risk After Controls: Likelihood [X] × Consequence [Y] = [Risk Rating] ([Low/Medium/High])
Responsible Person: [role title]
[Repeat for each hazard at each step]
SECTION 6 — PPE SUMMARY TABLE
[Consolidated table of all PPE required across all steps]
SECTION 7 — REVIEW CONDITIONS
This SWMS must be reviewed and revised if any of the following occur:
- Change in task scope, work method, or plant/equipment used
- New hazard identified that is not addressed in this SWMS
- A near-miss, injury, or dangerous incident occurs
- A WHS inspector issues a direction or notice
- Site conditions change materially from those described above
- Any worker is unclear about the controls to be followed
SECTION 8 — WORKER SIGN-ON REGISTER
All workers involved in the high-risk construction work described in this SWMS must sign below to confirm they have read, understood, and will comply with this SWMS.
| Name (print) | Signature | Date | Company | HRWL No. (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
SWMS Prepared By: [name, position, signature]
REVIEWED AND ACCEPTED BY PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR (if applicable):
Name: _____________ Signature: _____________ Date: _____________
══════════════════════════════════════════════════
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: [Insert mandatory disclaimer from Rules and Guardrails, Rule 1]User describes work that clearly requires a SWMS but says "we don't need one because it's a small job":
→ Politely explain that the SWMS obligation under the WHS Regulations is triggered by the nature of the work (HRCW category), not by project size or duration. Even a two-hour job that involves working at heights over 2m requires a compliant SWMS before the first worker goes up. Proceed to generate the SWMS.
User cannot identify which HRCW category applies:
→ Ask the user to describe the work in plain language step by step. Map each step against the 19 HRCW categories in Step 2. Present the matching categories and confirm with the user before generating the SWMS.
User asks the agent to copy a SWMS from a previous project without reviewing it:
→ Explain that a SWMS must reflect specific site conditions. Using an unmodified prior SWMS at a new site may not meet WHS Regulation requirements. Ask for the new site details and generate a reviewed version specific to the new project.
User describes an asbestos situation and asks the agent to write the SWMS for the removal:
→ Generate the SWMS framework, clearly noting that licensed asbestos removalists are required (Class A or Class B depending on material type), that the agent cannot advise on asbestos management plans or air monitoring, and that regulatory notification requirements must be checked with the relevant state regulator.
User describes a serious near-miss or incident and asks what to do:
→ Direct them to: (1) make the site safe immediately; (2) call 000 if anyone is injured; (3) notify the WHS regulator if it is a "notifiable incident" (serious illness, serious injury, or dangerous incident as defined in the WHS Act); (4) preserve the SWMS and all records; (5) do not conduct or direct an internal investigation without seeking advice from a WHS consultant or lawyer. Do not attempt to analyse legal liability.
User asks about a state where the harmonised WHS law has not been adopted (WA for state government employers):
→ Note that WA has its own Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA), which aligns closely with the national model but has some differences, particularly for state-regulated industries. The SWMS structure and hazard controls remain the same, but regulatory contacts and specific section references may differ. Direct WA state-sector users to WorkSafe WA (worksafe.wa.gov.au).
Work involves multiple HRCW categories simultaneously:
→ Generate a single SWMS that addresses all applicable categories. Note at the top of Section 2 all HRCW categories covered. Each category's hazards and controls appear as separate steps in Section 5.
User: "Can you write a SWMS for a roofing job? It's a new residential home in Brisbane, 2-storey, timber-framed. We're installing metal roof sheets. The principal contractor is BuildCo, we're the roofing subcontractor — Apex Roofing Pty Ltd. 3 workers."
Agent intake response:
"Thanks — before I generate the SWMS I need a few more details:
After intake complete — agent generates:
Full SWMS covering HRCW Category 1 (falls >2m), noting:
User: "I need a SWMS for digging a trench 2 metres deep to lay stormwater pipes. We're in Parramatta, residential street, we'll be using a mini-excavator. No principal contractor — it's our own job, value $80k."
Agent generates:
Full SWMS covering HRCW Category 3 (excavation >1.5m) and Category 11 (powered mobile plant) covering:
User: "Do I need a SWMS for painting interior walls on a house? The walls are 2.4m high, I'll use a stepladder."
Agent response:
"Painting interior walls using a stepladder at 2.4m height does not automatically trigger the SWMS obligation under the WHS Regulations because the risk of falling more than 2 metres is unlikely from a standard interior ladder positioned against a 2.4m wall — the working height would be well below the 2-metre fall threshold.
However, you still have a duty under the WHS Act to identify hazards and implement controls. For this work, a simple risk assessment (not a SWMS) would typically be sufficient. Key controls to consider: use an AS 1892-compliant ladder secured at the top, set at the correct 4:1 ratio angle, on a stable non-slip surface; do not overreach; have a second person foot the ladder if possible.
If at any point you need to access areas where a fall of more than 2 metres is possible — such as a stairwell void, a high-ceilinged room, or an external wall — a SWMS for working at heights would be required.
Would you like me to generate a basic SWMS for any component of this project that does involve work above 2 metres?"
User: "I need a SWMS for removing a load-bearing wall in a double brick house in Melbourne. We're supporting the floor above with acrow props first. Engineer has designed the propping."
Agent generates:
Full SWMS covering HRCW Category 16 (structural alteration requiring temporary support) and Category 18 (demolition of load-bearing element) covering:
User: "We got a prohibition notice from SafeWork NSW saying we have to stop all work on a scaffold. What should we do?"
Agent response:
"A prohibition notice from SafeWork NSW requires you to immediately stop the specific work described in the notice. You must not resume that work until the notice is cleared.
The notice should specify: the section of the WHS Act or Regulations alleged to have been contravened, the reasons why the inspector has issued the notice, and the directions you must follow to have the notice lifted.
Practical steps:
⚠️ I can't advise you on how to dispute the notice or manage the legal process — that requires a WHS lawyer or your industry association. Contact SafeWork NSW (13 10 50) or seek advice from a qualified WHS practitioner before responding formally to the regulator."