Formwork and falsework

The updated Work Health and Safety (Formwork Code of Practice) Approval 2024 is in effect as of 8 May 2024

This page provides guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers on the risks posed when working with formwork and falsework in the workplace.

What is Formwork?

Formwork means the surface of the form and framing used to contain and shape wet concrete until it is self-supporting. It is a temporary structure that supports part or the whole of a permanent structure until it is self-supporting.

Formwork includes the forms on or within which concrete is poured, and the frames and bracing which provide stability during the assembly, pour and curing stages. Formwork construction may involve high risk activities for example, operating powered mobile plant like cranes, working at height and excavating foundations.

What is Falsework?

Falsework means the temporary structure used to support a permanent structure, material, plant, equipment and people until the construction of the permanent structure has advanced to the stage where it is self-supporting.

Although commonly referred to as part of the formwork assembly, the joists, bearers, bracing, foundations, frames and footings are referred to as falsework.

What are the risks?

Risks associated with formwork may include:

  • collapse of the formwork and falsework
  • major functional requirements of the formwork and falsework like the height, maximum live and dead loads and access requirements
  • adjacent buildings and structures
  • ground conditions
  • electric lines
  • falls and falling objects
  • lifting plant and materials
  • loading materials during construction
  • lifting points
  • mixing components
  • powered mobile plant and traffic, and
  • unauthorised access to the construction workplace.

Duties to manage risks in the workplace

PCBUs have a duty to eliminate risks in the workplace, or if that is not possible, minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Other duty holders who have a role in managing risks under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) include:

  • Designers, Manufacturers, Importers and Suppliers of Plant,
  • Officers,
  • Workers, and
  • Other persons at the workplace.

For further information on  Work Health and Safety (WHS) duties see our workplace rights and responsibilities webpage.

Risk Management

A PCBU must manage the risks to workers and other people’s health and safety which may arise from the erection, alteration, dismantling and use of formwork and falsework.

A PCBU should follow the four-step risk management process:

  • Identify hazards—find out what could cause harm.
  • Assess risks—understand the nature of the harm that could be caused by the hazard.
  • Control risks—implement the most effective control measure that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances following the hierarchy of controls.
  • Review control measures—to ensure they are working as planned.

For further guidance on the risk management process and the hierarchy of control see the Code of Practice: How to manage WHS risks.

When considering if the risk of formwork and falsework can be eliminated from the workplace, PCBUs should consider alternative construction methods which can be used. Such as:

  • using precast columns and beams instead of constructing formwork and pouring concrete on site.
  • working at ground level or on a finished floor

If risks cannot be eliminated, think about how they can be minimised, for example:

  • using barricades and signs to create an exclusion zone in the area where formwork is to be erected or stripped to prevent other workers from entering
  • using edge protection or fall arrest systems to prevent falls from heights
  • scheduling delivery times so loads are not lifted onto incomplete or unsecured temporary structures or decks, and
  • using personal protective equipment (PPE) like high visibility clothing, protective hand and footwear and hard hats.

Control measures should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Competency and licencing 

A person who erects, alters or dismantles formwork must be competent to do so. There is no high risk work licence for formwork but there are requirements for other activities associated with formwork such as:

  • Scaffolding
  • Cranes
  • Hoists
  • Forklifts, and
  • Elevated work platforms

High risk construction work

The construction of formwork and falsework or working on the resulting structure may involve activities defined as ‘high risk construction work’ under WHS Regulations and requires a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) be developed.

A SWMS should provide clear direction on the control measures to be implemented and must be accessible and understandable to any individual who needs to use.

For further guidance SWMS and high-risk construction work see the Code of Practice: Construction work.

Further information

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