Even abbreviated to “SWMS”, it’s a mouthful. Safe Work Method Statements are a central component of any worksite’s occupational health and safety (OHS) system. Still, many builders and contractors fail to insist on them from their subcontractors. Last April, we published an article on what an SWMS was and why it was important. We want you to know that Master Builders can help you prepare this important document.

A Safe Work Method Statement is critical for high-risk construction work. If you don’t have one, you may be lacking an important piece of paperwork whose absence could potentially be putting your worksite and employees at risk.

Employers have a duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 to prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for any high-risk construction work. An SWMS is a form of risk assessment used in the construction industry to identify hazards and control them.

Employers must consult with their employees when they produce their SWMS. An SWMS should be both task- and site-specific.

SWMS must be developed for all high-risk construction activities as listed in the OHS (Construction) Regulations 2007, in areas:

  • where there is a risk of a person falling more than two metres
  • involving tilt-up or precast concrete
  • involving demolition
  • involving structural alterations that require temporary support to prevent collapse
  • at workplaces where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
  • involving the removal or likely disturbance of asbestos
  • involving a confined space
  • involving a trench or shaft if the excavated depth is more than 1.5 metres
  • involving a tunnel
  • on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
  • on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
  • on or near energised electrical installations or services
  • in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
  • on or adjacent to roadways or railways used by road or rail traffic
  • involving the use of explosives
  • in an area where there are artificial extremes of temperature
  • in, over or adjacent to water or other liquids where there is a risk of drowning
  • involving diving
  • on telecommunications towers.

Preparing an SWMS is part of the planning of e building and construction work. Master Builders can assist you or your employees by providing you with templates and giving you the knowledge for how to prepare this document, all in a half-day workshop.

For more information, visit our website or call on (03) 9411 4555.