Manual Lifting Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Safe Work Method Statement Template for Manual Lifting of Demolition Contractors

• Pre-filled and Comprehensive: This template is pre-filled with important information, making it comprehensive and ready to use. It saves you time and effort in creating a SWMS from scratch.
• Fully editable and customisable: The template is provided in Microsoft Word format, allowing you to easily edit and customize it to suit your specific project requirements.
• Includes the scope of the project and project details: Clearly outlines the scope and details of the project, ensuring all workers involved understand their responsibilities and tasks.
• Checklist of high-risk machinery on site: Includes a comprehensive checklist to identify any high-risk machinery present on the site, ensuring proper precautions and safety measures are taken.
• Space for recording staff training: Allows you to record any training provided to staff, ensuring they have received appropriate guidance and knowledge to perform manual lifting safely.
• Before and after risk ratings: Provides a section to assess and document the level of risks before implementing safety measures and allows for reassessment and comparison after their implementation.
• Resources for legislative references: Offers resources or references related to relevant legislation to ensure that the SWMS complies with local regulations.
• All PPE required: Lists all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary for safe manual lifting, helping to safeguard workers from potential hazards.
• Risk assessment and risk assessment matrix: Includes a risk assessment section to identify potential hazards associated with manual lifting and a risk assessment matrix to assist in determining the severity and likelihood of these risks.
• Checklist to ensure all requirements are covered: Provides a checklist to ensure that all essential elements of the Safe Work Method Statement have been adequately addressed and implemented.
• Sign-off page for workers and responsible persons: Includes a sign-off page where all workers and responsible persons involved in the project can acknowledge their understanding and commitment to follow the SWMS.
• Easy to use and customize: The template is designed for ease of use and customization, allowing you to quickly adapt it to meet your specific needs and requirements.
• Suitable for large contracts and tenders: This template is suitable for use in large-scale contracts and tenders, including tier 1 contractual work, ensuring compliance with safety standards and requirements.
• Instantly delivered download: Once purchased, the template is instantly available for download, providing immediate access to start working on your SWMS.

Risks Associated with Manual Lifting of Demolition Contractors:

Manual lifting is a common task that demolition contractors often perform as part of their job. However, there are several risks associated with manual lifting that require careful consideration to prevent injuries and promote workplace safety. The main risks include:

1. Back Injuries: Lifting heavy objects without proper technique or assistance can place excessive strain on the back, leading to sprains, strains, or more serious spinal injuries.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Repetitive lifting and awkward postures can contribute to the development of MSDs, such as muscle strains, tendonitis, or joint pain.
3. Slips, Trips, and Falls: When workers are engaged in manual lifting, they may be more prone to losing balance, slipping, tripping, or falling due to reduced stability.
4. Falling Objects: Mismanaged lifting operations can lead to objects being dropped or falling, posing a risk to both the worker and others nearby.
5. Crushed or Pinched Body Parts: Inadequate planning or execution of manual lifting tasks can result in body parts getting trapped, crushed, or pinched between objects, causing severe injuries.

Safe Work Method Statement for Manual Lifting:

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines how manual lifting tasks will be performed safely and the steps taken to mitigate associated risks. It serves as a practical guide for workers and supervisors to ensure consistency and compliance with safe work practices. Here’s how an SWMS for manual lifting can help mitigate the risks:

1. Risk Identification: The SWMS will require a thorough risk assessment of the manual lifting task, identifying potential hazards and determining appropriate control measures.
2. Training and Competency: The SWMS will outline the training requirements for workers involved in manual lifting, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the task safely.
3. Safe Lifting Techniques: The SWMS will detail correct lifting techniques that should be followed, emphasizing the use of proper body mechanics, such as bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and distributing weight evenly.
4. Use of Mechanical Aids: If feasible, the SWMS will recommend the use of mechanical aids, such as hoists, cranes, or forklifts, to reduce the need for manual lifting and decrease the risk of injuries.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The SWMS will specify the required PPE, such as gloves, safety boots, or back support belts, necessary for workers engaged in manual lifting tasks.
6. Environmental Considerations: The SWMS will address potential environmental factors that may affect manual lifting, such as uneven surfaces, wet floors, or restricted spaces, and provide guidelines to adapt to these conditions to minimize risks.
7. Supervision and Communication: The SWMS will highlight the importance of adequate supervision and effective communication between workers to ensure safe lifting practices are followed and any potential issues are addressed promptly.
8. Monitoring and Review: The SWMS should include provisions for ongoing monitoring and periodic review to ensure its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and incident analysis.

By implementing a comprehensive SWMS for manual lifting, demolition contractors can effectively manage the associated risks, improve workplace safety, and protect the health and well-being of their workers.