SWMS means Safe Work Method Statement, a plan for doing dangerous work safely. Get templates, guides, and links for SWMS from trusted Australian sources.
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A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) explains how high-risk construction work will be carried out safely, detailing the steps of the task, the hazards involved, and the essential risk control measures required under Work Health and Safety (WHS) or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
This document helps supervisors, contractors, and workers stay aligned and reduce the risk of serious incidents. This guide covers what to include in a SWMS, who prepares it, when to review it, and how to apply it across Australian sites.
A SWMS or Safe Work Method Statement is a legally required safety document used in high-risk construction work. It sets out how a task will be carried out safely by identifying hazards, risks, and the control measures needed to protect workers.
The SWMS is required under or regulations in all Australian states and territories. It’s a practical plan that ensures everyone understands the risks involved and how they will be managed on-site.
Each SWMS must be tailored to the specific job, location, and team. It’s written by the general contractor or the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) responsible for the work and must be available on-site at all times.
Each SWMS must be tailored to the specific job, location, and team. It’s written by the contractor.
A SWMS shows how a risky job will be done safely. It keeps the team aligned, step by step.
On site, the SWMS helps crews understand safety hazards before they start. It walks them through the task, the risks involved, and what controls must be in place.
Supervisors use it to check that everyone’s working to plan. It becomes a reference point during pre-start meetings, task planning, and team briefings.
During inductions, it helps workers understand what they’re stepping into. Everyone signs off, so it’s clear they’ve seen and understood the plan.
Once the job starts, the SWMS stays close. It’s the daily guide that helps teams stick to safe methods, even when things shift on the ground.
SWMS are required by law when construction work involves serious safety risks. This includes working at heights, near live electricity, in trenches, or using mobile plants.
WHS and OHS regulations in every Australian state make it clear: no SWMS, no high-risk activity. Before the work commences, a written plan must outline hazards, risks, and controls.
The SWMS helps project teams prevent incidents by showing how risk is managed in advance. It also proves that safety has been planned and briefed and can be reviewed.
A valid SWMS must be in place for any high-risk construction work (HRCW). The job cannot legally proceed without it, and enforcement actions may follow.
The contractor doing the high-risk work is responsible for preparing the SWMS before the task begins. They must know the method, the crew, and the actual risks on the ground.
The SWMS should be written early, reviewed during planning, and finalized before tools hit the ground. The principal contractor reviews it for accuracy and alignment with the site’s WHS system.
Below is a breakdown of who does what during SWMS preparation:
The person delivering the work leads the SWMS. Once approved, it becomes the go-to reference for keeping that job safe and compliant.
A compliant SWMS outlines how a high-risk task will be performed safely. It must be specific to the activity, site, and hazards.
Keep the document focused and straightforward. Use clear steps, direct language, and real controls that match your job.
Here are key SWMS details required by WHS and OHS regulators:
For help laying this out, see the structured task examples in the next section.
Your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must accurately reflect the unique conditions and risks of your specific project.
Below are practical examples to guide supervisors and workers in effectively managing safety measures for common high-risk construction activities.
Working above 2 metres or near open edges significantly increases the risk of serious injuries. To effectively reduce these risks, implement these essential measures:
Daily inspections by site supervisors are mandatory to identify and correct potential hazards promptly. Maintaining thorough inspection records supports compliance and promotes a consistent safety culture on site.
Entering confined areas like tanks or pits exposes workers to hazardous atmospheres and limited ventilation. Proper management of these environments involves several critical safety measures:
Detailed records of atmospheric tests and shift entry logs must be systematically maintained. These documented precautions help ensure worker safety and fulfill regulatory compliance requirements.
Excavation work, especially trenching near live services, presents significant hazards like cave-ins and service strikes. To safely manage these dangers, implement the following controls:
Supervisors should diligently confirm trench stability each day, documenting inspections clearly. Effective communication of these safety checks ensures workers are confident and informed about excavation safety measures.
Working with live electrical panels, switchboards, or temporary power sources involves high risks like electrocution and arc flashes. Carefully manage these hazards by strictly applying the following safety practices:
Prior to starting work, supervisors must rigorously verify that isolation procedures and testing protocols have been thoroughly completed. Comprehensive documentation of these procedures ensures safety compliance and provides clear records for audit purposes.
A SWMS differs from other safety documents because it's legally required for high-risk construction work. The other safety documents support safety planning but aren’t mandatory under WHS or OHS laws.
You’ll see documents like JSA, SOPs, and safe work procedures used across construction, but each has a specific role. SWMS are the only ones linked to compliance for tasks with serious risk.
Here’s how they compare on-site:
Use a JSA when you're mapping out a general task and want to spot smaller risks early. It helps with toolbox talks, daily prep, and team discussions.
Use an SOP when workers need instructions to complete repetitive or equipment-based tasks safely. It sets a straightforward, step-by-step approach for training or quality control.
Safe work procedures help show how your company manages risk across all work areas. They support your broader WHS program and assist with audits, inductions, and internal standards.
A SWMS stands apart because it’s legally required when the job involves real danger. If you’re planning high-risk construction work, this document must come first.
To develop a site-specific SWMS, identify the task and the real risks on-site in consultation with relevant parties. Then, write clear steps, name the hazards, and show how each control will be used for that location.
Generic templates often miss key site risks or include controls that don’t apply. Your SWMS must reflect what’s happening on your site, not what happened on the last one.
Follow these steps to create a clear, usable SWMS for your project:
Look at the space where the work will happen. Check for access limitations, nearby trades, overhead services, weather exposure, ground stability, and existing temporary structures.
Walk it with the people delivering the work. Identifying and controlling risks associated with hazardous substances is crucial to ensure safety.
Map out the actual task: from setup to pack-down, in the order it will happen, considering the specific work activities involved. Keep the sequence short and focused so workers can scan and follow it easily. Don’t overcomplicate the steps.
Think about the potential hazards that could go wrong at each stage. Look for high-risk triggers like working at heights, using mobile plants, energised systems, trenches, confined spaces, or structural changes. If relevant, include environmental factors like heat, noise, or dust.
Write down exactly how the risk will be managed. Mention the type of PPE, signage, supervision, exclusion zones, or safety equipment that applies. Say who’s responsible for each control and when it must be checked or replaced.
Engineering controls should also be included as part of the specific controls for each hazard to ensure comprehensive risk management.
Include the contractor or company name, the site address, who created the SWMS, and when it was issued. Ensure all relevant information is documented to tailor the SWMS to specific project circumstances. Leave space for review dates and consultation records.
Avoid phrases like “use appropriate PPE” or “work carefully.” Say what’s required: “Wear a fall arrest harness when working above 2 metres” or “lockout/tagout power before accessing the panel.” Write it for your crew, not your regulator.
Also, consult with workers directly engaged in high-risk construction work, as they have valuable insights into the work processes and safety measures.
Go through the SWMS in a toolbox talk or pre-start meeting. Ask questions, clarify controls, and make sure workers know how to follow the steps.
Induction training is crucial for delivering and acknowledging SWMS, ensuring workers are well-informed about safety protocols. Get signatures if needed to confirm they’ve been briefed.
Revisit the document if the weather shifts, equipment changes, the work scope expands, or new hazards appear. Don’t let the SWMS sit unchanged while the job moves forward. Regularly reviewing the SWMS ensures it remains effective, especially in high-risk construction work.
A site-specific SWMS should be practical, visible on-site, and clear for the work team. Write it to reflect the real job and how it will be carried out.
A strong SWMS should be easy to follow, relevant to the task, and written for the team delivering the work. It functions as a live safety tool that supports clear communication and safe delivery on-site.
Follow these best practices to keep your SWMS effective on-site:
A SWMS works best when it reflects how the job will run. Write it for the team using it, and make it part of the daily rhythm on site.
If the SWMS doesn’t carry out high-risk work, it must stop immediately or as soon as it’s safe. Continuing without compliance risks the crew and can breach WHS or OHS laws.
Authorised site managers or the principal contractor can stop the job immediately. This applies when controls aren’t in place, or the task no longer matches the approved method.
Non-compliance can trigger inspections, site audits, or written notices from regulators. It can also lead to fines, legal action, or removal from the job site.
If an incident occurs while the SWMS is ignored, expect a full review of your documentation and process. Teams may need to revise the method, retrain workers, and confirm all controls before work resumes.
You can find free SWMS templates, checklists, and safety resources from official regulators in each state. These tools help you meet WHS or OHS requirements and support safe, compliant site documentation.
Here’s where to find SWMS templates and guidance across Australia:
Review each template before use and update it to match your site, task, and team. A template helps you start, but a tailored SWMS keeps your worksite safe and compliant.
Every high-risk task needs a clear, well-structured SWMS. It supports safe delivery, clear communication, and legal compliance from the first day on-site.
Every job is different, and your SWMS should reflect that. Write it to match the actual task and ensure your crew can confidently apply it.
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