Roofing SWMS: base template and example

When roofing work needs a SWMS

• Safe Work Australia lists construction work with a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres as high risk construction work, which covers most roof work. A SWMS must be prepared before that work starts.
• NSW has a new Work on roofs code of practice that started on 22 May 2026, replacing its 2009 code for commercial and industrial roofs.
• Rules vary by state and territory, including the height threshold for falls. Check your own regulator, and your principal contractor may have extra requirements. For other work at height, see our working at heights SWMS example.

Not sure whether your job needs a SWMS? Read what a SWMS is and when it's required.

Need to record an incident instead? Get the free incident report template.

Controls to think about

• SafeWork NSW says to treat skylights and plastic sheeting as non-trafficable unless they're certified and the installation has been checked, because they can turn brittle and be hard to spot under dirt.
• For roof edges and openings, NSW's work on roofs code lists edge protection, secured covers rated for the load, and safety mesh installed by a competent person, with harness systems only where those aren't reasonably practicable.
• Plan around wind and weather, secure sheets so they can't blow off, use lifting aids instead of carrying sheets up, and don't use stepladders to get onto the roof. Your SWMS should show which controls you'll use for each work step.

What to include in a roofing SWMS

• The roof: height, pitch, material and condition
• Where the skylights, fragile sheeting and openings are
• Access onto the roof, edge protection and safety mesh
• How sheets and materials are lifted, staged and secured
• Weather, wind, heat and sun
• How you'd get an injured worker off the roof, and sign-off from everyone on the job

Filled-in roofing SWMS example

Example only, not for use as your own SWMS. This is the base template filled in for a fictional job: replacing metal roof sheets and skylights on a 6 metre high factory roof. Click a page to enlarge it.

This example includes risk scores. They aren't legally required, and WorkSafe Victoria advises leaving risk matrices and scores out of a SWMS, so check what your regulator expects. Your own SWMS must be specific to your job and site, and prepared in consultation with the workers doing the work.

How to fill one in for roofing work

1. Fill in the project details, including the roof height, material and any skylights.
2. Tick the high risk construction work box for falls over 2 metres, plus mobile plant if a crane is used, and every hazard that applies.
3. List your plant and equipment, such as access towers, edge protection, covers, mesh and lifting gear.
4. Write the job steps in order, from inspecting the roof to fixing the last sheet, with the controls for each step and who is responsible.
5. Talk it through with the crew, have everyone sign it before work starts, and review it whenever the job, roof or weather changes.

Build your roofing SWMS online, or get it into the app

The Shadow Forms SWMS builder is a tool on our website that guides you step by step through creating a SWMS for your job, including roofing work. It's a draft only, so have a competent person review it before use. Enter your email address and you can download it as a PDF.

The PDF is a copy only. To complete it digitally, upload it and we can add it to the app, Shadow Forms branded. If you have your own uniquely branded SWMS, or want this example adjusted to your business, we can do that too. Upload a form, or get in touch.

Need a JSA instead? Try the free JSA template.

Just need a quick check before you start? Get the free Take 5 template.