WHS Shield • SWMS Guide
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Guide for Australian Businesses
Learn what a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is, when it is required under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, and how to create compliant SWMS for high risk construction work in Australia.
This guide is general information only and does not replace legal advice. Always check the WHS laws and codes of practice in your state or territory.
What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out, the hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks. It is a key requirement under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated regulations for high risk construction work.
A SWMS must be prepared before high risk construction work starts, and it must be followed, reviewed and kept up to date. It should be clear, specific to the work and easily understood by workers on site.
When is a SWMS required under the WHS Act 2011?
A SWMS is required for high risk construction work as defined in the WHS Regulations. Examples include:
- Work at heights above 2 metres
- Work near energised electrical installations or services
- Work in or near a confined space
- Work involving structural alterations or demolition
- Work in or near traffic or mobile plant
- Work involving the use of explosives
If your business carries out high risk construction work, you must ensure a SWMS is prepared, implemented and reviewed. Principal contractors and PCBUs must be able to produce SWMS to inspectors on request.
How to write a compliant SWMS (step‑by‑step)
- Describe the work activity. Clearly describe the high risk construction work to be carried out, including location, scope and sequence of tasks.
- Identify hazards. List the hazards associated with each step of the work (e.g. falls, electrical, mobile plant, structural collapse).
- Assess the risks. Consider the likelihood and consequence of harm if no controls are in place.
- Select control measures. Use the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls, PPE).
- Assign responsibilities. Specify who is responsible for implementing and supervising each control.
- Consult with workers. Ensure workers and contractors who will use the SWMS are consulted and understand it.
- Review and update. Review the SWMS if there is a change in the work, an incident occurs or at regular intervals.
SWMS template (copy and adapt for your business)
Project / Site: ____________________________
High Risk Construction Work: ____________________________
Location: ____________________________
PCBU / Business Name: ____________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Work Activity / Step:
______________________________________________
Hazards:
______________________________________________
Risks:
______________________________________________
Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls):
______________________________________________
Person Responsible:
______________________________________________
Review Date:
______________________________________________
This template is a starting point only. You must adapt it to your specific work, site conditions and legal obligations.
Common SWMS mistakes to avoid
- Using generic SWMS that do not reflect the actual work or site conditions
- Not consulting workers who will carry out the work
- Listing hazards but not specifying clear control measures
- Failing to review SWMS when work methods or conditions change
- Not keeping SWMS available on site for workers and inspectors
SWMS FAQ (Australia)
Do I need a SWMS for every job?
You need a SWMS for high risk construction work as defined in the WHS Regulations. Not all work requires a SWMS, but many construction activities do.
Who is responsible for SWMS?
The PCBU (business) carrying out the high risk construction work is responsible for ensuring a SWMS is prepared, implemented and reviewed. Principal contractors also have duties.
How often should SWMS be reviewed?
SWMS should be reviewed when there is a change in the work, after an incident or near miss, or at regular intervals as part of your WHS management system.
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WHS Shield helps Australian businesses create and manage WHS documentation — including SWMS, risk assessments, WHS policies, hazard registers and incident reports — in one simple platform aligned with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.