Trestles SWMS, drafted for your job
Trestle planks can tip when someone steps beyond a support or stacks materials on one end. Uneven feet, unsecured boards and a makeshift step onto the deck can turn a small platform into a fall. Describe the job and site so the draft reflects your work, then check the SWMS with the crew before starting.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Trestles
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
- Work where someone could fall from height
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Choose platform and prepare base | Uneven footing and unsuitable system | High | Use firm level support and a system suited to the task |
| 2 | Inspect and erect trestles | Damaged frames and unlocked legs | High | Reject damaged components and lock adjustable supports |
| 3 | Fit deck, access and protection | Loose planks and exposed edges | High | Secure compatible boards and fit suitable edge protection |
| 4 | Use and replenish platform | Overloading and obstructed footing | High | Distribute materials and keep access clear |
| 5 | Unload, dismantle and relocate | Moving occupied platform and falling boards | High | Clear people and materials before dismantling or repositioning |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your trestles SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
Categories this task often involves
You tick the ones your job involves. Each ticked category gets its own steps and controls, in your state's wording.
- Work where someone could fall from height
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a trestles job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Trestle feet sinking into soft or uneven flooring
High- Set trestles on a firm level base with suitable load spreaders
- Check each foot is supported and locked before fitting platform boards
- 2
Platform planks breaking across an unsuitable trestle span
High- Use platform boards and support spacing specified for the system
- Inspect boards for damage and remove split or distorted components from use
- 3
Trestle plank tipping when workers step beyond the support
High- Set plank bearing and overhang to the system instructions
- Secure boards against movement and keep access within the supported deck
- 4
Worker falling from an unguarded trestle platform edge
High- Select a platform with suitable edge protection for the work
- Use another access system if guardrails cannot be fitted for the task
- 5
Trips through gaps between trestle platform boards
Medium- Fit a continuous working deck using compatible secured boards
- Keep tools and materials out of the access path
- 6
Trestle platform collapsing under stacked bags and equipment
High- Plan platform loading for workers, tools and materials together
- Distribute supplies over supports and stage spare materials off the platform
How the job usually runs
- 1Choose platform and prepare baseUneven footing and unsuitable system → Use firm level support and a system suited to the task
- 2Inspect and erect trestlesDamaged frames and unlocked legs → Reject damaged components and lock adjustable supports
- 3Fit deck, access and protectionLoose planks and exposed edges → Secure compatible boards and fit suitable edge protection
- 4Use and replenish platformOverloading and obstructed footing → Distribute materials and keep access clear
- 5Unload, dismantle and relocateMoving occupied platform and falling boards → Clear people and materials before dismantling or repositioning
PPE for this job
- Safety boots
- Handling gloves
- Safety glasses
- Safety helmet where overhead work occurs
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Trestles SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
Can we stand on a ladder placed on trestles?
No. The draft covers selecting a platform that reaches the task without adding makeshift height. Use another access system when the work cannot be reached from the intended deck.
Can we move the trestles with tools still on top?
Clear people, tools and materials before moving the platform. The draft covers dismantling or repositioning the system, checking its new base and refitting secured boards before use.
How much does a trestles SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
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