A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines how a particular job or task will be carried out safely. It is a legal requirement across Australia that construction sites, mines, and other hazardous workplaces have a SWMS in place before any work is undertaken.

That’s why it’s so important to get the SWMS right – your people’s safety and even lives rely on following best practice in both drawing up a SWMS and then enforcing it on the work site.

Do’s of SWMS Documents

Identify Hazards
The first step in creating an effective SWMS document is to identify the hazards associated with the job. Hazards can be anything that could cause harm, such as machinery, chemicals, or even the environment in which the work will be carried out. Identifying hazards is crucial because it allows you to put control measures in place to eliminate or minimize the risks associated with them.

Evaluate Risks

Once you have identified the hazards associated with the job, the next step is to evaluate the risks associated with each hazard. Risk evaluation involves determining the likelihood and severity of harm that could occur if the hazard is not controlled. This step is essential because it helps you prioritise the control measures that you will put in place.

Develop Control Measures

After evaluating the risks associated with the job, the next step is to develop control measures. Control measures are actions that are taken to eliminate or minimise the risks associated with the job. Examples of control measures include using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing administrative controls, and modifying the work environment.

Communicate and Consult

It is essential to communicate the SWMS document to everyone involved in the job, including workers, contractors, and supervisors. Communication ensures that everyone understands the hazards associated with the job and the control measures that have been put in place to eliminate or minimise the risks. It is also important to consult with workers and other stakeholders when developing the SWMS document. Consultation ensures that everyone’s views and experiences are considered when developing the control measures.

Review and Update

SWMS documents should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they remain relevant and effective. Reviews should be conducted when there are changes to the job or the work environment, or when there are changes to legislation or industry standards. Updating the SWMS document ensures that it remains an effective safety tool and reduces the risk of accidents and incidents occurring.

Don’ts of SWMS Documents

Rush the Process

Creating an effective SWMS document takes time and effort. Rushing the process can lead to an incomplete or ineffective document that does not adequately identify the hazards or control the risks associated with the job. Taking the time to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and develop control measures ensures that the SWMS document is effective and reduces the risk of accidents and incidents occurring.

Use The Wrong Templates

There are plenty of SWMS templates out there, but they’re not all created equal. The wrong SWMS template might overlook critical information, or not be flexible enough to account for unique work sites. Always trust NECA SWMS templates, which have been written by lawyers with many years of experience in the field, to give you the proper level of detail and coverage.

Ignore Worker Input

Ignoring worker input when developing the SWMS document can lead to an ineffective document that does not consider the views and experiences of the workers. Consultation with workers is essential when developing the SWMS document because it ensures that the control measures are practical and effective and that workers understand their role in controlling the risks associated with the job.

Overcomplicate the Document

SWMS documents should be clear and concise and should not be overcomplicated with technical jargon or unnecessary information. Overcomplicating the document can make it difficult for workers to understand the hazards associated with the job and the control measures that have been put in place to eliminate or minimise the risks. It is important to use plain language and clear, concise descriptions of the hazards and control measures.

Forget to Review and Update

Forgetting to review and update the SWMS document can lead to an ineffective document that does not adequately identify the hazards or control the risks associated with the job. As mentioned earlier, it is essential to review and update the SWMS document regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

Get going with SWMS documents now

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create an effective SWMS document that helps to ensure the safety of workers and reduces the risk of accidents and incidents occurring on the job. Still not sure about the best approach to take with SWMS templates and documents? Contact the expert team at NECA today. We’ll be able to guide you through the process, based on your unique business needs and objectives.