Formwork
Formwork failures can be catastrophic and can result in serious injury or death.
The major risks related to formwork include falls from platform edges or through penetrations, being hit by falling timbers or crane loads, formwork collapse and contact with powerlines.
Here are some simple safety steps to ensure the safe planning, design, erection, use and dismantling of formwork. Ensure:
- adequate consultation and communication with principal contractors, site supervisors and formworkers
- adequate planning prior to formwork activities commencing and that the safe systems of work align with the design/plan
- safe work methods, including working from the ground where possible
- the formwork is erected on solid foundations
- edge protection and covers to prevent falls over edges or through penetrations
- exclusion zones to prevent unauthorised access during erection and dismantling
- clear access is maintained around the formwork area throughout the process
- sign-off by a competent person before pouring concrete
- workers are adequately trained, instructed and supervised on site safety and safe work systems.
Site supervisors should use this simple formwork safety checklist to help your workers stay safe around formwork.
Safe work method statements
Safety videos
These videos show safe ways to erect and dismantle formwork to prevent falls and other injuries.
More information
For practical information about working on the ground or from a solid construction, fall prevention devices, work positioning systems, fall arrest systems, ladders, administrative controls and emergency procedures, see the code of practice for managing the risk of falls at workplaces.
The code of practice for construction and the Pocket guide to construction safety are also useful resources.
We also provide:
In 2022, SafeWork inspectors visited 90 sites to reduce the number of formwork incidents in NSW. Read the findings report.