High Risk Construction Work Categories Explained

High risk construction work (HRCW) is a defined list of construction activities. If your work falls into one or more of these categories, a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required before the work starts. Here is a plain-English summary of the categories listed in the model WHS Regulations (regulation 291).

The categories in plain English

• Work where a person could fall more than 2 metres.
• Work on a telecommunication tower.
• Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure.
• Work involving the disturbance, or likely disturbance, of asbestos.
• Structural alterations or repairs that need temporary support to prevent collapse.
• Work carried out in or near a confined space.
• Work in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel.
• Work involving the use of explosives.
• Work on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping.
• Work on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines.
• Work on or near energised electrical installations or services.
• Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere.
• Work involving tilt-up or precast concrete.
• Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians.
• Work in an area at a workplace where there is movement of powered mobile plant.
• Work in an area with artificial extremes of temperature.
• Work in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning.
• Diving work.

This is a summary only. Use the exact wording in the regulations that apply in your state or territory, and check your regulator’s guidance — wording and definitions can differ between jurisdictions.

Victoria regulates workplace safety under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the OHS Regulations 2017, which use different terms and some different thresholds from the model WHS laws used in other states and territories. Always check the requirements that apply where you work.

Common trade examples

• Electricians: work near energised installations, and often work at height.
• Plumbers and drainers: trenches over 1.5 m, gas piping, confined spaces.
• Roofers: falls over 2 m.
• Civil and earthmoving: powered mobile plant, trenches, traffic corridors.
• Refrigeration and air-conditioning: refrigerant lines, work at height.

One SWMS or several?

A single SWMS can cover more than one high risk activity, as long as it clearly addresses the hazards and controls for each. What matters is that it reflects the work actually being done on that site.

Read What is a SWMS and when do I need one? or get a tailored SWMS written for your trade.