COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Risk Management in Formwork & Concreting Operations course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and control the unique risks associated with formwork and concreting tasks, ensuring legal compliance and safer worksites across Australian construction projects.

This course begins by exploring the fundamental principles of risk management in formwork and concreting, defining the key risks these activities pose, and outlining the responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act. A proactive approach to risk management is not only essential for legal compliance but critical for preventing injuries, protecting structures, and ensuring work efficiency.

A strong understanding of the WHS legislative framework is vital for all concreting operations. This section explains the main obligations under the WHS Act and Regulations for high-risk construction work, while introducing important Australian Standards such as AS 3610 for formwork and AS 3600 for concrete structures, alongside Safe Work Australia’s Codes of Practice that guide best practice on-site.

The risk management process follows a structured approach of identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls, and reviewing outcomes. This section details each stage, highlighting how consultation with workers is a legal requirement and how risk management must be integrated into daily operations, pre-starts, and work planning.

Identifying hazards early is crucial for safe formwork erection. This section covers risks such as collapse due to inadequate supports, falls from heights during formwork assembly, and manual handling injuries related to lifting heavy panels and components, with practical examples drawn from real worksites.

Concreting activities also pose significant hazards. This section examines the dangers of concrete burns, inhalation of cement dust, equipment-related injuries from pumps and vibrators, and slip hazards on freshly poured surfaces, all of which must be actively managed through safe practices and controls.

Conducting thorough site-specific risk assessments ensures that all hazards are properly identified and prioritised. This section explains how to carry out effective pre-start inspections, use risk matrices, and consider environmental factors like weather and ground stability that impact formwork and concrete work.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are mandatory for high-risk tasks such as formwork and concreting. Here, you will learn when SWMS are required, the key elements of a compliant SWMS, and the importance of involving workers in the SWMS review and sign-on process to ensure practical understanding and commitment.

Applying the hierarchy of control is essential for effective risk management. This section explains how to first eliminate or substitute hazardous tasks where possible, apply engineering controls such as modular systems, and supplement with administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.

Falls from heights are a major risk in formwork operations. This section outlines best practices for integrating fall prevention into design, using scaffolds and edge protection, and ensuring harnesses and rescue plans are in place and accessible.

Concrete placement presents its own challenges. This section discusses strategies for controlling pour rates to prevent blowouts, operating concrete pumps safely, managing hose handling risks, and controlling exposure to vibration and noise during pours.

The safe use of equipment and plant is critical. This section outlines procedures for safely operating forklifts, concrete pumps, and boom arms, conducting mandatory pre-start checks, and isolating equipment properly during maintenance or repair.

Manual handling risks are a significant cause of injury. This section addresses how to recognise high-risk manual tasks, use mechanical aids effectively, and train workers on correct lifting techniques to reduce strain and musculoskeletal injuries.

Environmental risk management is also essential in concreting operations. Here, you will learn how to manage slurry, runoff, waste, and spills to prevent environmental harm, while ensuring safe working conditions during extreme weather events.

Emergency preparedness must be planned before work commences. This section details emergency response planning for structural collapses or worker entrapments, the provision of first aid for burns and crush injuries, and the importance of ensuring rescue equipment is readily available.

Clear assignment of roles and responsibilities strengthens risk management. This section explains the specific duties of principal contractors, supervisors, and workers, the appointment of spotters for high-risk activities, and how to foster a culture where every team member takes ownership of safety outcomes.

Ongoing monitoring and review are vital for maintaining effective controls. This section describes how to conduct regular inspections, adjust controls based on site changes, and document findings to support continuous improvement and demonstrate compliance.

Subcontractors and visitors also introduce risks that must be managed. This section highlights the importance of ensuring subcontractors comply with site SWMS, inducting visitors properly, and supervising high-risk activities involving external workers.

Finally, promoting a risk-aware culture transforms safety from a regulatory burden into a shared value. This section encourages early hazard reporting, recognition of proactive safety behaviour, and the continual learning from incidents and near misses to drive long-term improvement across formwork and concreting operations.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to apply systematic risk management strategies that protect workers, safeguard structural integrity, ensure compliance, and create safer, more efficient concreting worksites.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Risk Management in Formwork and Concreting

• Definition and importance of risk management in concreting projects
• Common risks associated with formwork erection and concrete placement
• Responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers under WHS law

2. Australian WHS Legislation and Relevant Standards

• Overview of WHS Act and Regulations for high-risk construction work
• Australian Standards: AS 3610 (Formwork), AS 3600 (Concrete Structures)
• Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice

3. The Risk Management Process Overview

• The four stages: hazard identification, risk assessment, control, and review
• Consultation requirements in managing site risks
• Incorporating risk management into daily operations

4. Identifying Hazards in Formwork Operations

• Collapse risks from inadequate formwork support
• Working at heights risks during formwork erection
• Manual handling and ergonomics risks

5. Identifying Hazards in Concreting Activities

• Concrete burns and cement dust inhalation
• Equipment hazards: pumps, vibrators, and screeds
• Slip, trip, and fall risks on wet surfaces

6. Conducting Site-Specific Risk Assessments

• Pre-start inspections and task-based risk assessments
• Using risk matrices to prioritise hazards
• Site environmental factors influencing risk (weather, ground conditions)

7. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for Formwork and Concreting

• When SWMS are mandatory under WHS laws
• Key elements required in a compliant SWMS
• Worker involvement and sign-on procedures

8. Applying the Hierarchy of Control Measures

• Elimination and substitution of hazardous tasks
• Engineering controls: use of modular formwork systems
• PPE and administrative controls as supplementary measures

9. Managing the Risk of Falls from Heights

• Planning fall prevention into formwork design
• Using scaffolds, edge protection, and static lines
• Harness use, anchor points, and rescue plans

10. Managing Concrete Placement Hazards

• Controlling pour rates and avoiding formwork blowouts
• Safe operation of concrete pumps and hoses
• Managing exposure to vibrational and noise hazards

11. Equipment and Plant Safety Management

• Safe use of forklifts, concrete pumps, and boom arms
• Conducting pre-use inspections and maintenance
• Isolating plant and equipment during maintenance

12. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risk Controls

• Identifying high-risk manual tasks
• Using mechanical lifting aids where possible
• Training workers on correct lifting techniques

13. Environmental Risk Management in Formwork and Concreting

• Managing waste, runoff, and concrete slurry responsibly
• Spill prevention measures for concrete pumps and washouts
• Working safely during extreme weather conditions

14. Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning

• Developing emergency procedures for structural collapse or entrapment
• Providing first aid for concrete burns and crush injuries
• Ensuring rescue equipment availability and readiness

15. Roles and Responsibilities in Risk Management

• Duties of principal contractors, site supervisors, and workers
• Appointing safety observers or spotters during critical activities
• Encouraging a shared safety responsibility culture

16. Monitoring and Reviewing Risk Controls

• Conducting regular site inspections and toolbox meetings
• Adjusting risk controls in response to changing conditions
• Recording findings and improvement opportunities

17. Managing Subcontractors and Site Visitors Safely

• Ensuring subcontractor compliance with site SWMS
• Inducting visitors and short-term contractors
• Supervising high-risk work involving external workers

18. Promoting a Risk-Aware Culture in Formwork and Concreting

• Encouraging early hazard reporting and worker feedback
• Recognising proactive safety behaviour among teams
• Continuous improvement through incident analysis and lessons learned

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.