Safety hub

Workplace health & safety in Queensland, explained

Free, plain-English guides and toolbox talk ideas covering SWMS, risk assessments, incident reporting, plant, heat and more. Written by people who run jobs, for people who run jobs.

The parts of a Safe Work Method Statement

Start here · Compliance & paperwork

What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?

What a SWMS is, when Queensland law requires one, what it has to include and how to write one your crew will actually follow.

Ryan Graham, WHS Officer · 4 min read

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The essentials

Queensland WHS basics, in one place

Who's responsible for safety?

PCBUs, principal contractors, supervisors and workers: who owes which duty on a construction site.

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SWMS vs JSA

When you need a SWMS, when a JSA is enough, and how the two fit together.

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Risk assessments

When to carry one out, and how to score likelihood and consequence.

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The hierarchy of controls

Eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineer, administer, PPE: with real examples.

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Reporting incidents

What to report, what to record, and the free forms and registers to do it.

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101 toolbox talk ideas

A year's worth of toolbox topics, plus a free toolbox meeting template.

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All guides

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18 August 2021

Are Tower Cranes Supposed To Spin Freely In The Wind?

High winds pose a risk to tower cranes when they are not in operation.

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18 August 2021

Tower Crane Safety Operating In High Winds

Strong winds will impose additional loads on a crane and may affect the crane’s stability.

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18 August 2021

Zoning Systems: Controlling the Risks of Operating Tower Cranes Near Powerlines

In this post we will outline the main risks when operating a tower crane near overhead power lines, and how we mitigate or eliminate these risks at Falcon Cranes.

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18 August 2021

What Is The Difference Between A Dogman And A Rigger?

When working with cranes, the crane operator is just one part of the team.

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18 August 2021

How Often Does Lifting Gear Need To Be Inspected in Queensland?

Keeping up with the compliance of lifting gear on your construction project can sometimes seem like a complicated task; in this post we have outlined best practices and…

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18 August 2021

How Can Unauthorised Access to Tower Cranes be Prevented in Queensland?

Unauthorised access to tower cranes can present a serious issue in the construction industry.

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18 August 2021

What Is a High/Low Load and Why Do Cranes Avoid Them?

A “High/Low Load”, otherwise known in the industry as a “Christmas Tree Load” or “Piggy Backing Load”, is where multiple loads are slung in a vertical configuration from…

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18 August 2021

What Are The Ongoing Refresher Training Requirements for Tower Crane Operators in Queensland?

According to the Tower Crane Code of Practice, Tower Crane Operators must undergo Refresher Training at least once every three years:

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18 August 2021

What Does “Competent Person” Mean in QLD Work Health & Safety Legislation

Safety documentation in the construction industry often refers to the phrase “Competent Person”, however there is much confusion surrounding what this phrase actually means, and what legal obligations it presents.

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11 August 2021

Top 5 Hazards To Look Out For On Construction Sites

In 2015/2016, over one quarter of construction site fatalities were a result of workers falling from heights, making it the most common cause of fatal injury according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

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Turn the guide into paperwork.

Every guide links to the template that puts it into practice. Start with the free SWMS template.