Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
What is a SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that:
- Describes the high-risk construction work (HRCW) to be carried out
- Identifies hazards arising from the work
- Describes control measures to be implemented
- Explains how control measures will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed
[!important] Legal Requirement High-risk construction work must not commence until a SWMS has been prepared and communicated to workers.
When is SWMS Required?
SWMS mandatory for high-risk construction work (WHS Reg 291):
- Work with risk of fall >2m
- Work on telecommunications towers
- Work near energized electrical installations (>440V or underground cables)
- Work in/near confined spaces
- Demolition work
- Work involving disturbance of asbestos
- Work on/near pressurized gas distribution mains
- Diving work
- Work in/near water or liquid (drowning risk)
- Work in shafts/tunnels
- Use of explosives
- Work on roads requiring traffic management
- Tilt-up and precast concrete erection
Who Prepares SWMS?
PCBU carrying out HRCW must prepare SW MS.
Typically:
- Contractor performing the work
- May be prepared by competent person (supervisor, safety advisor)
- Must involve consultation with workers who will do the work
[!tip] Worker Input Essential Workers doing the job have best knowledge of practical hazards and effective controls. Their input makes SWMS more effective.
SWMS Requirements
Must Include (WHS Reg 298)
1. Description of HRCW:
- What work will be done
- Where and when
- Equipment/materials to be used
2. Hazards:
- Identify all reasonably foreseeable hazards
- Include both obvious and less obvious risks
3. Risk Assessment:
- Likelihood and severity of harm
- Existing controls considered
4. Control Measures:
- Follow hierarchy of control
- Specific controls for each identified hazard
- Who is responsible for implementing
5. Implementation:
- How controls will be put in place
- When they will be implemented
- Who will ensure compliance
6. Monitoring and Review:
- How effectiveness will be monitored
- When and how SWMS will be reviewed
Additional Good Practice
- Emergency procedures
- PPE requirements
- Competency/licensing requirements
- Permits required
- Inspection/testing requirements
- Reference to relevant codes of practice
Preparing a SWMS
Step 1: Break Work into Steps
Divide work into logical sequence of steps.
Example - Excavation for Footings:
- Locate underground services
- Mark out excavation area
- Remove topsoil and stockpile
- Excavate to required depth
- Shore/batter walls if required
- Inspect excavation
- Place footings
- Backfill
Step 2: Identify Hazards for Each Step
For each work step, identify hazards.
Example - Step 3: Excavate to required depth:
- Striking underground services (gas, electricity, water)
- Collapse of excavation walls
- Workers falling into excavation
- Mobile plant (excavator) striking workers
- Noise from equipment
Step 3: Assess Risks
Consider likelihood and severity.
Example - Striking underground gas main:
- Severity: Death (explosion/fire)
- Likelihood: Possible (if services not located)
- Risk Level: Extreme
Step 4: Determine Controls
Apply hierarchy of control.
Example - Striking underground services:
- Elimination: Not practicable (excavation required)
- Engineering: Locate services (Dial Before You Dig), hand dig within 500mm
- Administrative: Trained excavator operator, exclusion zone, supervision
- PPE: Hi-vis clothing, hard hat, safety boots
Step 5: Document in SWMS
Use clear, simple language. Include diagrams if helpful.
Format:
| Work Step | Hazards | Risk Level | Controls | Person Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excavate to depth | Underground services | Extreme | 1. Services located (DBYD) 2. Hand dig within 500mm 3. Trained operator 4. Exclusion zone | Site Supervisor |
Implementing SWMS
Before Work Starts
1. Review SWMS with Workers:
- Toolbox talk to go through SWMS
- Explain hazards and controls
- Answer questions
- Get worker input (may identify additional hazards/better controls)
- Workers sign to confirm understanding
2. Ensure Controls in Place:
- Equipment available
- Materials delivered
- Permits obtained
- Workers trained/licensed
3. Make SWMS Accessible:
- Copy at workplace
- Available to all workers
- Available to WHS inspectors
During Work
1. Follow SWMS:
- Workers must follow documented controls
- Supervisors monitor compliance
2. Monitor Effectiveness:
- Are controls working as intended?
- Any issues or near-misses?
3. Review if Circumstances Change:
- New hazards identified
- Controls not effective
- Work method changes
- Incident occurs
Reviewing and Revising SWMS
Must Review:
- Before work commences (each time SWMS used)
- If control measures change
- If new hazards identified
- After incident or near-miss
- At request of health and safety representative
Process:
- Consult with workers
- Identify what needs changing
- Update SWMS
- Communicate changes to all affected workers
[!warning] Don't Set and Forget SWMS is living document. Review regularly and whenever circumstances change.
SWMS on Construction Projects
Principal Contractor Must:
- Collect SWMS from all contractors doing HRCW
- Review SWMS for adequacy
- Ensure no conflict between different contractors' SWMS
- Ensure SWMS implemented
- Keep copies readily accessible
Contractors Must:
- Provide SWMS to principal contractor
- Not commence HRCW until SWMS prepared
- Implement SWMS
- Review if circumstances change
Record Keeping
Must Keep:
- Copy of SWMS for duration of work
- Records of worker consultation/sign-offs
- Retain for 2 years after work completed
Regulator Access:
- WHS inspectors may request SWMS
- Must be able to produce on request
Practical Examples
Example 1: Installing Roof Trusses (Fall Risk >2m)
HRCW: Work at heights with fall risk >2m
Work Steps:
- Deliver trusses to site
- Crane lift trusses to roof
- Position and brace first truss
- Install remaining trusses
- Install permanent bracing
Key Hazards:
- Falls from roof edges (5m fall)
- Trusses becoming unstable before bracing
- Workers struck by crane/load
- Load falling from crane
Controls:
- Edge protection installed before work starts
- Workers wear harnesses (backup to edge protection)
- Exclusion zone under crane operations
- Trusses temporarily braced immediately after placement
- Dogger directs crane, clear communication
- Weather restrictions (no work in high wind/rain)
Example 2: Excavation Near Underground Services
HRCW: Excavation >1.5m deep near underground services
Work Steps:
- Service location
- Mark services on ground
- Hand dig trial holes to expose services
- Excavate with machine (stay >500mm from services)
- Support/protect exposed services
Key Hazards:
- Striking gas/electrical/water services
- Excavation collapse
- Falls into excavation
Controls:
- Dial Before You Dig (plans obtained)
- Cable locator used to confirm position
- Hand dig within 500mm of located services
- Trained excavator operator
- Exclusion zone around excavation
- Edge protection/barriers
- Walls battered or shored if required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Generic SWMS: Using template without tailoring to specific site and work
✓ Site-Specific: Customize for actual conditions, equipment, workers
❌ Too Vague: "Use appropriate PPE" - what PPE specifically?
✓ Specific: "Wear P2 respirator (fit-tested), safety glasses, gloves"
❌ No Worker Input: Office-prepared without consulting workers
✓ Collaborative: Involve workers in preparation and review
❌ File and Forget: Prepared to comply, never referenced again
✓ Active Document: Reviewed at toolbox talks, updated as needed, actually used
Related Topics
Code of Practice Reference
For comprehensive guidance and templates, refer to:
- Code of Practice: Construction work (Appendix E - SWMS template)