What is a SWMS document template, and what does it mean for the electrical industry?

Using the right SWMS document template for each work site can help keep your business compliant, efficient, and save you a lot of money in the long term.

The Australian government places paramount importance on the health and safety of workers in potentially hazardous environments. Organisations operating in the electrical industry must not only safeguard their employees but also comply with regulatory requirements. A crucial document in meeting these obligations is the SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement). While each SWMS example is unique to your business, the safety work method statement template library maintained by NECA serves as an ideal starting point.

You need a SWMS document template for any tasks falling under 18 activities classified as “high risk” by the Australian government. These activities span from handling explosives to working near energised electrical installations, confined spaces, and hazardous materials. If your business engages in high-risk work, utilising a NECA SWMS document template is essential for project safety.

Leading by SWMS Example: What’s Involved?

Constructing SWMS documents requires collaboration among all project stakeholders. From project leaders to workers, everyone must be aware of identified high risks and best practices for mitigating them. Starting with a safety work method statement template, you need to clearly outline the audited risk assessment for the project environment. Specify the steps your organisation commits to taking for risk mitigation.

Benefits Of Sourcing A SWMS Document Template From NECA

• Expert Drafting: Each SWMS document template from NECA is meticulously crafted by true experts. Owen Leslie, an electrical safety specialist with a WHS Diploma, ensures precision. These documents are developed in consultation with Safety Regulators, Electrical Network distributors, Construction companies, and Electrical contractors.
• Time and Cost Savings: Creating a SWMS template from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive. NECA provides a launching pad, saving you time and money while maintaining full compliance with safety regulations. Simply select the SWMS example documents from the NECASafe library, attach your logo, and receive a free quote for printing and delivery.

Important Disclaimer Information

The SWMS example 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 example 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 template 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.
• 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