Accredited Service Providers need SWMS, too!
If you’re an accredited service provider (ASP), you may have heard of SWMS before. They are, in fact, critical documents to meeting your regulatory requirements with the government, and for that reason it’s important that you pay close attention to them. NECA has a proven track record in proving top quality SWMS to those in the ASP industry, saving them a great deal of time and money in the process.
Why SWMS are so important
Australian WHS regulations defines some 18 activities which are classified as “high risk” for those working on them. Whether it’s risk of falls and drowning, exposure to harmful substances, or working in a flammable environment, these activities need employers and employees to work with an additional level of caution (for the full list of what is defined as high risk, click here)
SWMS are a step designed to help employers provide their employees with a safe environment to work. They are a document which, in basic terms, lists out all the areas of risk, and demonstrates what the employer and employees are doing to mitigate against those risks. If a workplace environment has any high risk activities involved in it, then a SWMS is a legally mandated document.
Each environment and new set of activities requires a new SWMS, as each environment and activity is different in nature. It’s important to be thorough and comprehensive with these, and then make sure the work environment takes the mitigation efforts seriously.
How to draw a SWMS up
You can draw your own SWMS, however, this is an inefficient and costly endeavour. As with all documents in the legal and regulatory space, precise language is critical and any details missed can become very costly in the event that they become legally challenged.
NECA Accredited Service Provider SWMS are a big cost saving for any organisation that needs a Level 2 electrical SWMS. They are written by Owen Leslie, an expert with electrical trade qualifications and a diploma in WHS. Leslie has also received a WHS Champion award from the Hunter Safety Awards. Leslie’s SWMS have been written in close consultation with all interest groups, including the safety regulator, electrical network distributors, construction companies and electrical contractors.
Every work environment is different, and you’ll need to ensure that the NECA SWMS does fully cover your activities (see disclaimer, below), however, as a baseline, it will be an invaluable resource in giving you peace of mind that your organisation and work processes are covered by best-in-breed safety documents.
How to access NECA SWMS for electricians
Accessing the right documents that you need could not be easier. Simply log on to the folder creator tool, which will allow you to select what documents you want from the NECASafe library. Then attach your logo and a few other details. That’s it! From there we will then quote, print and deliver the folders. These safety folders can be used for employees, vehicles or site safety folders. If necessary, you can even attach your own documentation to be included in the folder – which is important if your work project involves unique conditions not covered by the template SWMS.
Important Disclaimer Information
The documents in this pack are not aimed to meet all of your legislative requirements, but assist you in establishing an initial Safe Work Method Statement framework that can be built upon over time.
In NECA Generic SWMSs, we wish to draw your attention to your responsibilities as a person conducting a business undertaking (PCBU), you are responsible for reviewing and implementing the NECA Generic SWMS into your own safety management system. As the PCBU, you must ensure that a safe work method statement (SWMS) are suitable or amended prepared prior to commencing any high-risk construction work, and that the work is done in accordance with the SWMS, which must be kept for the duration of the work.
Other responsibilities include:
·A PCBU must also ensure that workers have received induction and consultation of the Generic SWMS before undertaking any construction work, and a site induction before commencing work on a specific site.
·A PCBU must ensure that Generic SWMS are to be reviewed, and revised if necessary, if the high-risk construction work changes or if there is any reason to believe that risk control measures are not adequate.
·NECA does not guarantee that supplied Generic SWMS will pass all principal contractor or builders SWMS review process. Amendments may need to be made to suit principal contractor or builder requirements. * Amendments can be made by NECA for additional cost.
Jump on to the NECA Safety Folder Creator Tool for a free quote, or feel free to call us.
The National Electrical and Communications Association, its employees, officers and agents do not accept any liability for the results of any action taken in reliance upon, based on or in connection with NECA Generic SWMS. To the extent legally possible, the National Electrical and Communications Association, its employees, officers and agents disclaim all liability arising by any breach of any duty in tort (including negligent mis-statement) or as a result of any errors or omissions contained in these document