What is a Safe Work Method Statement?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities, and the measures to be put in place to control the risks.
Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, a SWMS is a legal requirement for all high-risk construction work (HRCW).
When is a SWMS Required?
The 18 High-Risk Construction Work Activities
Australian WHS Regulations define 18 specific high-risk construction work activities that require a SWMS:
Heights & FallsWho Must Prepare a SWMS?
The principal contractor for a construction project must ensure that a SWMS is prepared for high-risk construction work before the work commences. However, the responsibility for preparing the SWMS typically falls to the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) who is carrying out the high-risk work.
Worker Consultation
Crucially, workers who are to carry out the high-risk construction work must be consulted in the preparation of the SWMS. This isn't optional—it's a legal requirement that ensures:
- Workers understand the hazards they'll face
- Practical, real-world control measures are identified
- Workers are committed to following the SWMS
Essential Components of a SWMS
1. Identification of High-Risk Work
Clearly state which of the 18 HRCW activities apply to the work being undertaken.
2. Hazard Identification
For each step of the work, identify:
- What could go wrong
- What could cause harm
- The potential consequences
3. Risk Assessment
Assess each hazard using a risk matrix:
- Likelihood: How likely is the hazard to cause harm?
- Consequence: How severe would the harm be?
- Risk Level: Combine likelihood and consequence to determine risk level (Low, Medium, High, Extreme)
4. Control Measures
Apply the hierarchy of controls:
5. Responsibilities
Clearly assign who is responsible for:
- Implementing each control measure
- Supervising the work
- Monitoring compliance
6. Emergency Procedures
Include:
- Emergency contact numbers
- First aid locations
- Assembly points
- Incident reporting procedures
Common SWMS Mistakes to Avoid
1. Generic, Non-Specific Content
A SWMS must be specific to the actual work being done. Generic templates that aren't customized are not compliant.
2. Inadequate Worker Consultation
Workers must genuinely participate in developing the SWMS, not just sign it after the fact.
3. Failure to Review and Update
A SWMS must be reviewed whenever:
- Work conditions change
- New hazards are identified
- An incident or near-miss occurs
- Control measures are found to be inadequate
4. No On-Site Availability
The SWMS must be readily available at the workplace while the work is being carried out.
5. Lack of Worker Sign-Off
All workers carrying out the high-risk work must sign the SWMS before commencing work.
SWMS vs. JSA vs. RAMS
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
- Australian requirement for high-risk construction work
- Legally mandated under WHS Regulations
- Specific format and content requirements
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
- Common in the United States
- Step-by-step hazard analysis
- Not as prescriptive as SWMS
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS)
- Common in the United Kingdom
- Combines risk assessment with method statement
- Similar purpose to SWMS
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to have a compliant SWMS for high-risk construction work can result in:
- Category 1 Offence (reckless conduct): Up to $3 million for a PCBU, $600,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment for an individual
- Category 2 Offence (failure to comply with duty): Up to $1.5 million for a PCBU, $300,000 for an individual
- Category 3 Offence (failure to comply with duty without risk of serious harm): Up to $500,000 for a PCBU, $100,000 for an individual
Best Practices for SWMS Implementation
Pre-Work
- Prepare SWMS with worker consultation
- Ensure all workers read and understand the SWMS
- Collect signatures before work begins
- Conduct toolbox talk reviewing key hazards and controls
During Work
- Keep SWMS accessible on-site
- Monitor compliance with control measures
- Stop work if conditions change significantly
- Report any near-misses or incidents
Post-Work
- Review SWMS effectiveness
- Document any lessons learned
- Update for future similar work
- Maintain records
Conclusion
A well-prepared SWMS is more than a compliance document—it's a practical tool for protecting workers' lives. By understanding the requirements and following best practices, you can create SWMS documents that genuinely contribute to safer workplaces.
Use SafeDocGen's free SWMS Generator to create professional, compliant Safe Work Method Statements for your high-risk construction work.