Carpentry

Australian WHS regulations require task-specific SWMS for high-risk construction work. While you might be tempted to create one generic carpentry SWMS, this approach fails to adequately address the unique hazards of different carpentry activities. For example, framing work at height presents completely different hazards and controls compared to cabinet installation in completed buildings. WorkSafe authorities expect SWMS to be sufficiently detailed and specific to the actual work being performed. Having separate SWMS documents for major carpentry activities such as framing, cladding, and finish carpentry demonstrates thorough safety planning and ensures workers receive relevant hazard information. You can use a master SWMS template system and customise each document for the specific task, which maintains consistency while providing necessary detail.

Workers performing carpentry work should hold appropriate qualifications. Certificate III in Carpentry is the standard trade qualification. Workers must hold a Construction Induction White Card before commencing work on construction sites. For high-risk work such as operating elevated work platforms, specific high-risk work licences are required. Apprentices can work under supervision of qualified tradespersons. Workers must receive site-specific induction covering SWMS requirements, hazard identification, and emergency procedures. Employers must verify qualifications, maintain training records, and ensure workers demonstrate practical competency before commencing unsupervised work.

SWMS documents should be reviewed before commencing work on each new project to ensure suitability for specific site conditions. Formal reviews must occur when work conditions change significantly, such as access equipment or material changes. Following any incident or near-miss, immediate review is required. Regular reviews should occur at least annually as WHS legislation and Australian Standards evolve. WorkSafe authorities expect evidence of review including dates, signatures, and documentation of changes. Worker consultation during review is mandatory—carpenters often identify practical improvements. Maintain version control showing review history and ensure all workers use current versions.

Under Australian WHS legislation, PCBUs have a duty to prepare SWMS for high-risk construction work. Carpentry contractors should prepare SWMS reflecting their specific work methods, equipment, and risk controls. However, practical site management often involves coordination. Principal contractors may provide template SWMS that subcontractors customise, or subcontractors submit their own for review. The critical requirement is that the final SWMS accurately reflects how work will be performed and all workers are familiar with contents. The carpentry contractor performing the work remains responsible for ensuring SWMS compliance. Many contracts require subcontractors to submit SWMS for approval before site access.

Work must stop immediately if site conditions prevent SWMS compliance. Workers notify their supervisor about changed conditions. Do not proceed using improvised methods not documented in the SWMS. The supervisor must assess whether the SWMS can be revised to address changes while maintaining safety controls, or whether work should be suspended. If modification is needed, document this through formal review with worker consultation. Brief all affected workers on changes before recommencing. Significant changes require notification to the principal contractor. This approach is a legal requirement protecting workers and ensuring risk controls remain effective. Prosecutions have resulted from incidents where workers improvised without updating SWMS.