SWMS rules in Western Australia

• A construction project is one where 5 or more people are, or are likely to be, working at the same time on the site (r.292). There is no $250,000 test in WA.
• Demolition licences (Part 4.6A): Class 1 for demolition 10 m or more high and work with explosives or a tower crane; Class 2 for under 10 m. No licence is needed for a single storey house, a fence or wall under 1.8 m, or a structure under 2 m.
• Tilt up and precast concrete panels: the regulator must be notified at least 10 working days before a panel is cast (r.306B), and tilt up work cannot go ahead without that notice (r.306G).
• WA penalties are in dollars. Failing to prepare a SWMS (r.299) carries a fine of up to $7,000 for an individual and $35,000 for a body corporate.
• WorkSafe WA says a SWMS is not required for work of a minor nature.
• The general construction induction training card (course CPCCWHS1001) is issued through an RTO. Both the older blue cards and white cards are accepted, but a card is invalid after 2 or more years in a row out of the industry.
• Cite the WA instruments on your SWMS: WHS Act 2020 and WHS (General) Regulations 2022, Part 6.3. WA also has its own code of practice for falls in housing construction, updated March 2026.

• Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
• Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA)
• Code of practice: Managing the risk of falls in housing construction (WA, 2026)

Regulator: WorkSafe WA, phone 1300 307 877 (general), 1800 678 198 (deaths and serious incidents, 24/7).

• Death or a currently life threatening incident: phone WorkSafe WA on 1800 678 198 (24/7) immediately.
• Other notifiable incidents: report immediately, and lodge non life threatening dangerous incidents online through WorkSafe WA's WISE system. Preserve the site until an inspector arrives or directs otherwise.
• Demolition (Class 1 or 2) done to AS 2601: notify at least 5 working days before (r.142F). Demolition not done to AS 2601: apply for approval at least 10 working days before (r.142G). Use the WorkSafe WA notification of demolition work form.
• Licensed asbestos removal (r.466): written notice at least 5 days before, through WISE. In an emergency, phone immediately and follow up in writing within 24 hours.
• Concrete panel manufacture: notify at least 10 working days before casting (r.306B).
• Engineered stone (r.529G): notify before the work begins.

WorkSafe WA: Safe work method statement for high risk construction work (template, Word). Our builder covers the same fields and adds the hazards and controls for your job.