Do SWMs have to be signed?

Yes, SWMS must be signed by both the facilitator (e.g. employer, WHS manager etc) and the employee/worker/contractor. This ensures both parties are on the same page and have acknowledged and are aware of the associated high risk construction work dangers and hazards.

Do you need a SWMs for every job?

Yes, a SWMS is required for each job. This ensures workers and contractors are aware of the different associated risks of each job. For example, a contractor may be working above 2m on one job and would therefore need to acknowledge the risks associated with working at heights. The next week, the contractor may be working within a tunnel and would need to sign and accept the risks of working within confined spaces.

SWMS Meaning: What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

What is the purpose of a SWMS?

A safe work method statement (SWMS) is a vital safety document that must be completed to meet legal requirements and improve on-site safety culture. Its purpose is to ensure that workers and employers have acknowledged and signed off on the risks associated with high-risk construction work tasks. This ultimately helps reduce or ideally avoid dangers within these high-risk environments.

Identifying hazards

It’s important to share the potential high-risk construction work hazards within your industry and work environment, document them within your safe work method statement, and sign off on them by yourself and your workers.

Assessing risks

What potential high risks are there? What could go wrong or place your workforce in danger? A safe work method statement will help you assess, analyse and prepare for high risks within your operations and keep your workforce safe.

Implementing risk control measures

A safe work method statement allows you to prepare and implement risk control measures to avoid high risks where feasible. It can be managed appropriately if something does occur. From clear instructions on what to do in a particular instance to following a hierarchy of control strategy, a SWMS can ensure this has been covered.

Ensuring worker safety

Worker safety is of the utmost importance, and an SWMS helps you do everything you can to ensure this. A SWMS will provide your workers with the intel, and you with the peace of mind.

SWMS vs JSA vs SOP

Document	SWMS	JSA	SOP
Purposes	Safety document specific to high risk construction work.	Not specific to high risk work. Looks at the risks associated with any task (low or high).	A SOP ensures that tasks are completed consistently.
When each is used	SWMS is focused on high risk labour and construction work.	JSAs are used for any risk, low or high.	SOPs are used to ensure that tasks meet a certain consistent standard across the board.
Legal requirements	SWMS are legally required. HRCW cannot be completed without it.	JSAs aren’t legally required but are desirable for meeting safety and audit standards.	SOPs aren’t legally required but enhance operations and are optimal for keeping tasks consistent.

Photograph of a maritime worker using a laptop on the deck of a ship

Why are SWMS important?

SWMS are vital for companies operating within high-risk construction work. They aim to help identify hazards, prevent workplace injuries, ensure compliance with work health and safety (WHS) laws, and reduce business liability.

Here are some real-world examples to help you understand how SWMS have prevented accidents:

Scenario A:

Bill has been contracted to work on a high-risk construction job removing asbestos from a building that will be demolished. To ensure Bill knows the potential risks of being near asbestos, Bill’s manager, Carl, asks him to thoroughly read and sign a SWMS safety document, plus a window for any questions and queries. Once Bill has completed the document, Carl signs it too. While removing asbestos from the building, Carl forgets to wear his mask and tries to sue Carl and his company for negligence. Carl has the signed SWMS document to cover himself and prevent legal liability.

Scenario B:

Louise is a telecommunications engineer running tests on a high telecommunications tower. Due to the risks associated with working at heights, this is classed as high-risk construction work. Louise’s manager Abdul asks her to read, review and sign a SWMS document, allowing her time for any uncertainties or questions. Louise takes extra precautions to avoid hazards and potential dangers when working up in the telecommunications tower.

When is a SWMS required?

A SWMS is required for high-risk construction work (HRCW). Here are some examples of high-risk tasks across these industries:

Structural:

involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing

involves demolition of an element of a structure that is related to the physical integrity of the structure

involves structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse

involves tilt-up or precast concrete

Chemical risk:

involves, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos

is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines

is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

is carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant

is carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature

Working at heights:

involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 m

is carried out on a telecommunication tower

Confined spaces:

is carried out in or near a confined space

is carried out in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m or a tunnel

Explosives or pressurised risks:

involves the use of explosives

is carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping

Electrical risk:

is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services

Traffic risk:

is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians

Water risk:

is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning

involves diving work.

Who is responsible for preparing a SWMS?

Employers, principal contractors, and subcontractors are responsible for preparing, facilitating and adhering to a safe work method statement (SWMS).

The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) within high risk construction work must prepare a SWMS and facilitate its associated compliance. This includes all legal and regulatory requirements, training, information, hazard risks and resources.

Photograph of a hardhat on a workbench in a woodworking shop, with tools in the background.

Key components of an effective SWMS

To keep on top of SWMS regulations within high risk construction work, conduct regular risk assessments including hazard identification, risk evaluation, control measures, implementation and review/monitoring processes.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements of a well-structured safe work method statement (SWMS):

Identification of specific high-risk construction work tasks
Clearly outline the high-risk tasks that your workforce will need to carry out.
Description of potential hazards
Describe and showcase the associated potential hazards that come with these high-risk tasks in a clear and easy to understand manner. Graphics and diagrams can be very useful for this section.
Responsibilities of workers and supervisors
Outline the responsibilities of your management staff and contractors/workers. Establish who is in charge of what, and who is accountable.
Review and monitoring process
Monitor processes, keep on top of risk assessment duties, and ensure regular reviews are scheduled and conducted.

Common mistakes to avoid in SWMS

Here are some common errors businesses make when drafting a safe work method statement (SWMS) and recommendations for avoiding them.

Mistake: Unclear or unspecific content

Poor transparency and unclear information in your SWMS is a huge business risk. The content in your SWMS needs to be as transparent as possible.

Recommendation: Get your content verified

We recommend getting your SWMS content verified by a WHS expert. This provides you with peace of mind that you’ve ticked all the boxes and your workforce has a much clearer and safer experience.

Mistake: Insufficient hazard identification

Hazards must be outlined simply, clearly and comprehensively. If this is not done correctly, it can confuse workers engaging with your SWMS document.

Recommendation: Specificity is key

Make your hazards as clear and specific as possible, use imagery and diagrams, and separate them into categories. It’s also helpful to consult other workers for their opinions and feedback.

Mistake: Lack of clarity or action steps for control measures

It’s so important to outline control measures for hazards. Without clear steps and protocols, things can easily go wrong and put your workforce and company at risk.

Recommendation: Implement control strategies

A hierarchy of control strategy is a great place to start to ensure you’ve covered control measures effectively. Clearly assign responsibilities and establish who does what, when, how and where. You can never be too clear when outlining control measures.

Mistake: Not updating the SWMS during a project

Your SWMS needs to be adapted during different projects to suit the environment and differing risks. If you’ve not updated it, you could easily miss important information about dangers on site and put your workforce at risk.

Recommendation: Set reminders and accountability

The need to avoid updating the SWMS during a project. Set reminders, workflows and accountability for the staff members responsible. Regular audits are also a great way to keep on top of this with a clear timeline for when this needs to happen.

Mistake: Poor or minimal training and communication

Businesses often rush over training and communication, leaving workers confused or misinformed. This can lead to mistakes or high risk hazards.

Recommendation: Ensure thorough, transparent communication

A clear, consistent and thorough training schedule optimises your operations and leaves your workers feeling confident and prepared. Adapt your training to suit different communication styles, use a dedicated induction software to stay organised and provide an enjoyable user-friendly experience. If you need help setting up training content, Altora has you covered.

Mistake: Missing or incomplete regulatory requirements

It’s a big risk not to have clear or complete important regulatory requirements in your SWMS. If something were to go wrong and this hasn’t been covered, you could face huge legal complications.

Recommendation: Engage a WHS consultant

We recommend engaging with a WHS consultant to ensure you’re not missing any important legal or regulatory items. This will ensure you’ve covered everything you need to within your SWMS document.

Mistake: Poor or insufficient template structure

Convoluted template structures can easily confuse your workers. Without a good flow or good template structure, items can easily be missed or misunderstood.

Recommendation: User-friendly is key

A user-friendly, clear and easy to follow template makes all the difference. Your workers will take in much more about hazards and important regulatory information if the information is aesthetically pleasing and easy to absorb. If you’re struggling to curate it properly in-house, consider outsourcing to a professional.

worker in a climbing harness, over a platform with ocean in the background.

How long are SWMS valid for?

SWMS do not have a fixed expiry date but must be reviewed and updated when high risk construction work conditions change, new risks emerge, or after an incident occurs.

How often should SWMS be reviewed?

Best practices for reviewing SWMS:

Periodic assessments

Following a review frequency is advisable to ensure you remain ahead of the game. For example, every 12 months, in alignment with your audit schedules, or when a significant change occurs.