Structural Steel Erection — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the erection and connection of structural steel members including columns, beams, purlins, and bracing on commercial and industrial construction projects.
Download this template
Structural steel erection is one of the highest-risk activities in commercial construction and is classified as HRCW under multiple items in Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations — specifically for falls exceeding 2 metres, the use of cranes and hoists, and the risk of structural collapse during construction. A SWMS is mandatory before any steel erection commences and must be prepared in consultation with the erection crew.
While there is no single "steel erector" licence, workers engaged in the rigging and lifting aspects of steel erection must hold appropriate HRW licences — typically a Dogman (DG) licence for those guiding loads and directing crane operators, and a Rigger (RB, RI, or RA) licence for workers who attach and detach loads. Any scaffolding erected to facilitate erection requires a licensed scaffolder. Crane operators must hold the relevant crane class HRW licence. These requirements apply across all jurisdictions that have adopted the model WHS laws, with equivalent requirements in Victoria under the OHS Regulations 2017.
Key hazards include falls from incomplete or unguarded steel frameworks, being struck by swinging steel members during crane lifts, structural instability before the frame is fully braced, and manual handling injuries from repetitive bolt-up work in awkward positions. The SWMS must address temporary bracing requirements at each stage — a partially erected steel frame can be highly unstable until permanent connections and bracing are completed. The relevant Australian standard for structural steel erection is AS 4100 (Steel Structures), and erection procedures should be consistent with the design engineer's documented erection methodology.
Customise this template to reflect the specific steel sections being erected, the crane type and pick sequence, the temporary bracing plan approved by the structural engineer, and the fall-prevention method for workers making connections at height (typically travel restraint or fall arrest via certified column anchor points per AS/NZS 5532).
This template applies in all Australian states and territories. All users should confirm current HRW licence requirements with their state regulator.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work at height more than 2 metres
- •Work involving the use of plant — crane or hoist
- •Work involving structural alterations or additions requiring temporary support
- •Work near overhead power lines
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-erection planning and crane setup
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crane overloaded or positioned on inadequate ground causing tip-over | Catastrophic | Crane lift plan to be prepared by a competent person (crane operator and dogman) before any lifts commence, including calculated weights of all steel members plus rigging, crane radius, and outrigger ground bearing pressures. Verify ground load capacity against geotechnical report or consult a structural engineer for outrigger mat sizing. Position outrigger pads on solid, level ground — use crane mats on soft or made-up fill. Never exceed the crane's rated capacity at any radius. | Moderate | Crane Operator / Dogman / Site Manager |
| Crane contact with overhead power lines | Catastrophic | Identify all overhead power lines within 1.5 times the maximum boom radius before crane setup. Contact the network operator to establish safe working distances and, where necessary, arrange for line de-energisation or insulation covers. Establish a No Go Zone (minimum 3 m for lines ≤132 kV). Position spotter with direct line of sight to power lines and radio contact with operator at all times during lifting operations near lines. | Moderate | Site Manager / Crane Operator |
2.Rigging and lifting steel members
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel member falling from rigging causing fatal injury | Catastrophic | All rigging to be performed by a licensed dogman (DG licence) or rigger (RB, RI, or RA licence). Calculate the centre of gravity of each member before slinging and use appropriate sling configuration — two-leg chain sling minimum for beams. Inspect all slings, shackles, and rigging hardware before each use — reject and remove from service any with cuts, kinks, excessive wear, or deformation. Conduct a pre-lift test (lift 300 mm, hold for 30 seconds) before full elevation. Establish and maintain a crane exclusion zone encompassing the full swing arc — no persons permitted in this zone during any lift. | Moderate | Dogman / Rigger |
| Steel member swinging uncontrolled during lift | High | Attach a minimum of two tag lines (10 m minimum length) to all steel members before lifting. Tag line operators to remain outside the crane exclusion zone and guide the load from a safe distance. Never grab a suspended load with bare hands — always use tag lines. Cease all lifting operations if wind speed exceeds 40 km/h or if the load cannot be controlled by tag lines. | Low | Dogman / Tag Line Operators |
3.Working at height to connect steel members
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel connector worker fall from unguarded column or beam | Catastrophic | All workers connecting steel at height must be connected to a rated horizontal lifeline or roof anchor via a shock-absorbing lanyard at all times — 100% tie-off is mandatory (use twin-leg lanyard for continuous connection). Install safety mesh below the working level where practicable to provide secondary fall protection. Workers must be trained in working at heights with a current certificate. Conduct daily pre-start checks on all harness and lanyard equipment. | Moderate | Steel Erector / Supervisor |
| Dropped tools or bolts from height striking workers below | High | All tools must be tethered via rated tool lanyards. Use bolt bags with drawstring closures to prevent loose bolts falling. Maintain an exclusion zone below all steel connection work. Use a catching net or debris containment system under the work area where possible. Do not allow any personnel to work directly below steel erection activities. | Low | Steel Erector / Supervisor |
4.Bolting and torquing connections
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural connection failure due to undertorqued bolts | Catastrophic | All structural bolts to be tightened to the specification in the structural drawings using a calibrated torque wrench or impact wrench with torque setting. Use the snug-tight then full pretension procedure as specified in AS 4100. Mark bolts with a witness mark (paint pen line across nut and washer) after final torque to allow visual inspection. Inspect all connections before the crane releases the member — never release a lift until all specified minimum bolts are installed and snug-tight. | Moderate | Steel Erector / Site Engineer |
5.Progressive installation of decking and purlins
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purlin or deck sheet sliding off structure before secured | High | Rig purlin bundles with rated slings and lower to the structure level — never lower bundles onto unguarded roof edges. Secure each purlin or deck sheet with at least two fasteners before the crane releases. Do not stack unsecured materials on the roof structure. Stage materials in small quantities and distribute load evenly across the frame per the structural engineer's approval. | Low | Steel Erector / Dogman |
| Worker falls through deck opening or leading edge | Catastrophic | Install safety mesh under the deck level before laying sheets where practicable. Cover all deck penetrations and openings with rated covers clearly marked 'OPENING — DO NOT REMOVE' and secured against removal. Install leading edge fall protection (safety deck anchor lines or temporary edge protection) that advances with the deck installation. No deck sheet to be laid without a worker connected to fall arrest. | Moderate | Steel Erector / Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.