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Workbox

SWMS · SWMS-10137

  • 13 job steps
  • Version 5
  • Working at Height
  • Reads on any phone

This SWMS covers the safe operation of workboxes, also known as man baskets or man cages, in construction and industrial environments. It sets out the safety protocols and control measures for the risks of working at height.

It takes your crew through each job step, from planning, the falls emergency rescue plan and work area set-up to pre-inspection, the trial lift, working from the workbox, completion and emergency response, with the hazards and controls for each step.

It suits construction managers, safety officers and workers who operate at height in a workbox, including work on telecommunications towers and lifts by crane or forklift.

Written by SafetyDocs safety experts, who have been writing safety documents since 2004.

Preview of the Workbox SWMS

Workbox

SWMSVersion 5
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact
—
Business contact phone
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Responsible person's phone
—
Responsible person's signature
—
Date signed
—
Principal contractor (PC)
[Principal contractor]
PC address
—
PC phone
[PC phone]
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job site address
[Site address]
Part of a construction project
—

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW – identified in the Job Task column)

  • Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
  • FallsInvolves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers
  • Gas Mains
  • Hazardous Lines
  • Energised Electrical

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres

The fall from height hierarchy of control level considered when establishing controls:

  • L1Work on the ground or solid construction, not chosen
  • L2Use a passive fall restraint system, e.g. guard rails, scaffolding, EWP, not chosen
  • L3Use a work positioning system, e.g. travel restraint, rope access, not chosen
  • L4Use a fall arrest system, e.g. safety harness, catch platforms, not chosen
  • L5Implement administrative controls, e.g. signage or instruction, not chosen

No level has been chosen yet.

Planning and preparation

Planning

  • Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

  • Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training and licences

  • All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on site

  • All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

  • Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs

  • Attend all site inductions/briefings

  • Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)

  • Only carry out work related to the contract

  • Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitoring and review

  • All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences

  • SWMS to be reviewed and amended if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident

  • If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit

  • People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP

  • Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS

  • The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS

  • SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review

  • Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident

  • Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Foot Protection
  • High Visibility
  • Head Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Protective Clothing
  • Sun Protection
  • Safety Harness

Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

  • Work activity

    Planning

    • Hazard

      Contact with overhead electric lines

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls

      • Liaise with electricity supply authorities regarding control measures for working near overhead electric lines. In general:

        • 3m above, either side and below power lines is No Go Zone

        • 3-6.4m of power lines a Spotter is required

        • Further than 6.4m of electric lines is an open area

        • No work to be conducted within a 10m radius of SWER transformer.

        Note: Authorised people may be permitted to work within minimum safe distance zones for jobs such as tree clearing work, provided requirements of the State Energy Authority and owner of the electric line are followed.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisorto liaise with electricity supply authorities & workbox maintenance
    • Hazard

      Equipment failure

      Before controls3 High
      Controls

      • Ensure all servicing and maintenance is performed by suitably licensed, qualified & competent people, as per legislative requirements, and manufacturer’s recommendations

      • Inspecting and testing workbox must include the:

        • Annual inspections

        • Regular weekly, monthly inspection and maintenance

        • Daily Pre-operational inspections and checks

      • Inspections and maintenance should include:

        • The effective functioning of safety devices and lifting equipment

        • Detailed visual inspection check for corrosion or damage (wear, cracks)

        • Detailed examination of critical areas for evidence of cracking

        • Emergency and safety devices (anchor points, harnesses)

        • Signage, including warning signs and decals

        • Extra items nominated in the manufacturer’s instructions

      • All replacement parts should be identical or equivalent to the original parts or components

      • Maintain and complete the logbook of service and maintenance history as required

      • Inspection records should include a statement from the appropriate competent person confirming the workbox has been inspected and is safe to use.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

12 more job steps, from Implement a Falls Emergency Rescue Plan to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

13 job steps

  1. PlanningPlan work near overhead electric lines and workbox maintenance.
  2. Implement a Falls Emergency Rescue PlanHave first aid and a way to contact emergency services ready for a fall rescue.
  3. Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsPosition vehicles safely and conduct a site-specific induction.
  4. Work area set-upFollow traffic management plans to prevent accidents involving mobile plant movement.
  5. Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and prepare for extreme conditions.
  6. EnvironmentImplement measures to minimise environmental impact, including noise and waste management.
  7. House keepingMaintain a clean work area to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
  8. Manual tasksAddress musculoskeletal injuries by avoiding repetitive movements and awkward postures.
  9. Pre-inspect system, harnesses, workbox, anchor points & plantInspect the harnesses, workbox, anchor points and plant before use.
  10. Conduct a trial liftPerform a trial lift to confirm safe operational conditions before proceeding.
  11. Working from the workboxEnsure all workers are secured with harnesses and follow safe operating procedures.
  12. On completionSign out on the site register, lock the workbox gate and store gear.
  13. Emergency responseFollow site emergency response and ensure a communication system is in place.

Hazards it covers

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