Formwork Construction (Slab Boxing)
Construction of timber or steel formwork (boxing) for concrete slabs, footings, and edge beams. Includes site set-out, edge board installation, bracing, levelling, and reinforcement mesh placement in preparation for concrete pour. Complies with AS 3610 Formwork for Concrete. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
What's In Your SWMS
7 Hazards & Controls
Penetrating wounds, severed tendons, punctured organs, eye injuries, infection, death
Use hand nailing for small jobs or where ricochet risk is high
Use sequential trigger mode instead of bump/contact trigger to prevent accidental discharge
Establish exclusion zone - no workers on opposite side of timber being nailed
- Maintain nail gun safety mechanisms - never disable or bypass
- Use correct nail length for material thickness
- Ensure work-piece is firmly secured before nailing
- Never nail into knots, splits, or near edges where ricochet likely
- Only trained and competent operators to use nail guns
- Never point nail gun at anyone, even when not firing
- Disconnect from air/gas supply when not in use, clearing jams, or carrying
- Never carry nail gun with finger on trigger
- Check behind and around target area before firing
- Pre-start inspection of nail gun before each use
Safety glasses mandatory, face shield recommended, hard hat, safety boots
19-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (13)
- Circular saw (skill saw)
For cutting edge boards and bracing to length. Must have functioning guard.
- Nail gun (framing nailer)
For securing boards to stakes and bracing. Sequential trigger mode recommended.
- Claw hammer
For hand nailing and adjustments
- Sledgehammer / post driver
For driving stakes into ground
PPE (6)
- Safety helmet (hard hat)AS/NZS 1801
Mandatory on all construction sites - falling timber, nail gun ricochet
- Safety glassesAS/NZS 1337
Essential - sawdust, nail fragments, splinters
- Hearing protectionAS/NZS 1270
Required when using power saws, nail guns, or hammering
- Work gloves (leather or similar)AS/NZS 2161.1
For handling timber, mesh, and general work. Remove when operating power saws.
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)training
Required for all workers on construction sites
- Formwork Construction Competencycertificate
Demonstrated ability to erect formwork to design specifications. May hold CPCCCM2006A.
- Nail Gun Competencytraining
Training in safe nail gun operation, maintenance, and jam clearing
- Power Saw Competencycertificate
Training in safe circular saw and drop saw operation
- Competent Person - Formwork Inspectioncertificate
Qualified to inspect and sign off formwork for concrete pour
- Working at Heights Training
Required if formwork exceeds 2m height (suspended slabs, retaining walls)
- First Aid Certificate
Recommended for at least one team member on site
Emergency Procedures
NAIL GUN PENETRATING INJURY: Do not remove nail. Immobilise limb/body part. Call 000. Keep person calm and still. Do not apply pressure to embedded object.
SEVERE CIRCULAR SAW LACERATION: Apply direct pressure to wound. Elevate if limb injury. Call 000 immediately. Do not attempt to reattach severed tissue - wrap in clean damp cloth and keep with patient.
FORMWORK COLLAPSE: Call 000 immediately. Do not enter collapse zone until confirmed safe. Account for all workers. Do not move injured persons unless immediate danger.
- + 2 more included in your SWMS
Everything above, included in your SWMS document.
Get This TemplateWriting a SWMS from scratch?
That's 2-4 hours of research, formatting, and compliance checking.
We've already done it — pick your template and download.
Or just do this:
- Unlimited documents
- All 70+ templates
- Instant PDF & DOCX
- Cancel anytime
High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (291 - High Risk Construction Work (formwork or falsework)), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Formwork or falsework (Construction and dismantling of formwork is classified as high-risk construction work under WHS Regulations)
Australian Standards Referenced
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing formwork construction (slab boxing) work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is formwork construction classified as high-risk work?
Yes. Under WHS Regulation 2017, formwork or falsework is explicitly listed as high-risk construction work. A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be prepared before work commences.
Who can inspect and sign off formwork before a concrete pour?
A competent person must inspect formwork before concrete placement. This is typically someone with formwork construction qualifications (such as CPCCCM2006A) or a structural engineer for complex formwork. They must verify the formwork complies with design specifications.
What is AS 3610 and why is it important?
AS 3610 is the Australian Standard for Formwork for Concrete. It specifies requirements for formwork documentation, surface finish, tolerances, and structural adequacy. Compliance with AS 3610 ensures formwork can safely support concrete loads during placement and curing.
What trigger mode should nail guns be set to for formwork?
Sequential trigger mode is recommended for formwork construction. This requires the nose to be pressed against the workpiece before the trigger will fire, preventing accidental discharge. Bump/contact trigger mode allows faster nailing but significantly increases the risk of unintended discharge.
What PPE is required for formwork construction?
Essential PPE includes hard hat (mandatory on construction sites), safety glasses, hearing protection when using power tools, work gloves for handling timber, and steel-capped safety boots. Remove gloves when operating circular saws to maintain grip control.
How deep should formwork stakes be driven?
Stakes should be driven minimum 300mm into the ground for standard conditions. In soft or sandy soils, deeper stakes or closer spacing may be required. In hard ground, pre-drilling may be necessary. The stake must provide adequate resistance to prevent formwork movement during concrete placement.
What is "drop stripping" and why is it prohibited?
Drop stripping is the practice of releasing formwork so it falls freely to the ground. It is prohibited under all state Codes of Practice because falling formwork panels can strike and seriously injure workers. Formwork must be stripped in a controlled manner with exclusion zones in place.
What should happen if formwork shows signs of movement during concrete pour?
The concrete pour must be stopped immediately. All workers should evacuate the formwork area. The formwork must be inspected by a competent person and any defects rectified before the pour can resume. Do not attempt repairs while concrete is being placed.
Get Your Formwork Construction (Slab Boxing) SWMS
Pre-filled. Risk-assessed. Ready in 5 minutes.
Get Your SWMS PDFNo credit card required. First SWMS is free.