Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Guide

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a documented process for carrying out high-risk construction work safely. Under the Work Health and Safety Act, contractors must prepare a SWMS before starting high-risk construction work and provide it to site supervisors.

When is a SWMS Required?

SWMS is required for these high-risk construction activities:

• Work at heights (above 2 meters)
• Scaffolding erection/dismantling
• Excavation and trenching
• Demolition work
• Work near traffic or mobile plant
• Asbestos removal or disturbance
• Work involving electricity
• Confined spaces
• Work involving hazardous substances

SWMS Content Requirements

1. Work Description

• Describe the work to be done
• Identify location and duration
• List plant and equipment to be used
• Name the person responsible

2. Hazard Identification

• Identify all hazards associated with the work
• Consider worker exposure to hazards
• Consider impacts on site visitors/public
• Document environmental conditions

3. Risk Assessment

• Assess likelihood of harm from each hazard
• Assess severity of potential harm
• Rate overall risk (High, Medium, Low)
• Document risk assessment findings

4. Control Measures

• Describe specific control measures for each hazard
• Use Hierarchy of Controls (elimination first)
• Include PPE only as last resort
• Specify who is responsible for each control

5. Safety Instructions and Procedures

• Provide step-by-step work procedures
• Detail safety requirements for each step
• Include emergency procedures
• Describe incident response procedures

6. Site-Specific Information

• Location of site facilities (toilets, first aid)
• Emergency contact information
• Site access and traffic management
• Neighboring properties/operations

7. Competence and Supervision

• Identify who will supervise the work
• Specify competence requirements for workers
• Training requirements
• Induction requirements

SWMS Approval and Site Implementation

• ☐ Contractor prepares SWMS
• ☐ Principal contractor reviews and approves
• ☐ SWMS provided to site supervisor
• ☐ Workers briefed on SWMS before work starts
• ☐ SWMS posted at work site
• ☐ SWMS reviewed if conditions change
• ☐ Records kept of SWMS implementation

Automated SWMS Generation

Use WHS Shield to automatically generate SWMS for your specific high-risk construction work, ensuring compliance with WHS Act requirements.