Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
We can provide you with advice about when and how to complete SWMS, and work with you to prepare site specific SWMS for your business activities. We can also provide your employees with training on How to Prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for High Risk Construction Work.
Meet your Legal Obligations
OHS Regulations 2017 (Regulation 327)
Any employer of self-employed person must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before performing high risk construction work.
There are often multiple workers carrying out high risk construction work onsite, and if the work is under your control, you are responsible for preparing the SWMS.
What is High Risk Construction Work?
There are 19 defined high risk construction work activities, which have the potential to cause the greatest harm to workers. The 19 activities include construction work:
- where there is a risk of a person falling more than two metres
- on or adjacent to roadways or railways used by road or rail traffic
- in, over or adjacent to water or other liquids where there is a risk of drowning
- at workplaces where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
- structural alterations that require temporary support to prevent collapse
- in an area where there are artificial extremes of temperature
- on or near energised electrical installations or services
- involving a trench or shaft if the excavated depth is more than 1·5 metres
- on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
- involving demolition
- involving a confined space
- on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
- involving tilt-up or precast concrete
- on telecommunications towers
- involving diving
- involving removal or likely disturbance of asbestos
- in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
- involving the use of explosives
- involving a tunnel
Remember, if the work doesn’t involve one or more of the above activities, you do not need to complete a SWMS by law; and you should consider other more effective ways to control the risks associated with non-high risk construction work.
Our Safe Work Method Statement process
Workplace & Site Safety Solutions
Emergency Management
Develop a documented site Traffic Management Plan for your business premises or worksite.
Find out more ⟶Incident Investigations
Facilitate the development of corrective and preventative actions that can be implemented.
Find out more ⟶Inspection Checklists
Inspection checklists to enable you to complete regular, formalised safety inspections of your work activities
Find out more ⟶Risk Assessments
Considering what could happen if someone is exposed to a hazard and the likelihood of it happening.
Find out more ⟶Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
When and how to complete SWMS, and work with you to prepare site specific SWMS for your business activities.
Find out more ⟶Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Registers
As an employer, you have a legal obligation to ensure that chemicals are used, handled and stored in a safe manner.
Find out more ⟶Site Safety Plans
Documenting and communicate your OH&S Arrangements within your organisation.
Find out more ⟶Traffic Management Plans
Identifying the risks related to the interaction between people and moving vehicles.
Find out more ⟶Ready to take the next step?
SMARTin Safety can can provide you with advice about when and how to complete SWMS, and work with you to prepare site specific SWMS for your business activities.
