Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template: A Guide

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a crucial document that outlines the safety procedures that you must follow during high-risk activities. Creating one from scratch can take time, and there's always the risk of missing important details. Using SWMS templates simplify the process, helping workers minimise risk exposure.

Purpose of Safe Work Method Statements

A SWMS outlines high-risk construction work, hazards, and control measures to control risks. It's an administrative control supporting higher-order controls to minimise health and safety risks. It differs from specific documents, like Job Safety Analysis or Safe Operating Procedures. It serves as a tool to monitor workplace control measures. SWMS ensures workers can identify and understand the hazards involved and the appropriate safety risk control measures used to prevent injury.

Some of the purposes of a SWMS include:

1. SWMS helps in carrying out high-risk construction work safely and healthily. For example, construction work such as excavations, demolitions and working at heights may involve hazards that every person responsible must address. It helps supervisors, workers, and other persons at the workplace understand the established safety requirements. It clearly outlines the procedures everyone follows in carrying out a task safely.
2. SWMS ensures compliance with the relevant safety laws and regulations. By outlining how to reduce risk in a particular work activity, SWMS help employers fulfil their legal duties of care for workers' safety. You must prepare an SWMS for the 18 most high-risk construction work outlined by WHS Regulations. Failure to have it in place can result in significant fines and legal action.
3. SWMS assist supervisors and workers in increasing their awareness of potential risks. It helps workers assess the safety risk of a task before starting to minimise potential accidents, injuries or illnesses.
4. SWMS confirms and monitors control measures required at the workplace. By including details about the safety measures in place, an SWMS helps ensure everyone follows the same procedures.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement Template?

Since SWMS are a crucial document for any high-risk workplace environment, using a template can be a great way to save time. An SWMS template is a customisable document that outlines the safety procedures for a particular task or activity. It includes details such as relevant hazards and risk assessments, safety policies, control measures, roles and responsibilities of workers, and any other relevant information.

They are ready-made documents that guide how to complete an SWMS. Pre-filled with standard sections such as scope, hazards and risks, control measures, and monitoring and evaluation, make creating one easy. Document providers, such as SafetyDocs, that offer SWMS templates for various industries and will make safety easier to manage.

Benefits of Using a Safe Work Method Statement Template

Time-saver

Imagine writing each separate SWMS part from scratch. The process can take time if multiple tasks or activities are involved. A template simplifies the process and helps get things done quickly, as most sections are already pre-filled.

Consistency

Using the same template for all tasks helps ensure that all SWMSs have the same structure and look. This makes it easier to compare and identify discrepancies. When all templates are consistent, it's easier to track and identify areas of improvement. It's also a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Manageability

A template lets you focus on the content rather than worrying about the format. Using a template ensures that all relevant information is in the proper order. Tracking your safety by having a template you can update regularly is more manageable.

Cost-efficient

Using a safe work method statement template can help you save on costs because you don't e need to hire a consultant or document preparer. It also helps avoid duplication of effort and keeps tracking expenses low.

Key Elements of SWMS Templates

The template should be simple, concise, and easy to understand by everyone in the workplace. Incorporating the vital elements into the template will help ensure that the document effectively identifies and mitigates workplace risks. An SWMS must include the following:

1. List of high-risk construction work

This is a list of the high-risk construction work activities in your workplace that you must prepare for an SWMS, i.e. demolition, excavations, and working with power tools or scaffolding. This includes the workplace location relevant to high-risk activities.

2. Job or task description

The SWMS should have a description of the work, including the location, equipment, and materials required. It should also include the estimated task duration, the total number of personnel involved, and any other relevant information. Every stage of the task should also be included in the document.

3. Identification of hazards

This section is a list of potential hazards associated with the work, including physical, chemical, and environmental. 

4. Workplace-specific risk assessment

The risk assessment includes an evaluation of the likelihood and consequence of the identified hazards. This is an assessment of the level of risk associated with each hazard, including the probability and consequences of an incident occurring.

5. Control measures

There must be a list of control measures for the identified hazards, including personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and administrative controls. This section must describe the steps taken to reduce the risk of an incident occurring.

6. Names and signatures

Include the names and signatures of the workers, the principal contractor, health and safety representatives, and persons conducting a business undertaking (PCBU) in accordance with the SWMS. This will ensure that all parties have read and understand the document before work commences. The SWMS must show the people who participated in developing and implementing the SWMS.

Best Practices in Developing Your SWMS

1. Consult with health and safety representatives and workers

Ask them for their experiences and feedback about hazards relating to the work that will commend. They are the ones who interact with the equipment and machines, and they know better about potential hazards. Consult affected workers to help identify risks and come up with a safety plan that is feasible and practical to implement. This helps identify potential risks that can be avoided or reduced by implementing specific controls (such as using protective equipment, providing adequate training, etc.)

2. Train workers on the SWMS

It is essential to ensure that everyone understands and can follow the contents of a SWMS. Ensure your workers have safety training to complete tasks according to the SWMS safely and can identify and address any risks that may arise during the job.

3. Review the SWMS

Once the SWMS is complete, reviewing it with the safety representatives and everyone involved is essential. Ensure that all workers know what is expected of them, that the SWMS is up-to-date, and that all hazards are addressed. After the review process, sign off on the SWMS and store it in a safe place.

4. Revise the SWMS as needed

As work on the construction project progresses, review the contents of the SWMS periodically to ensure that all identified risks are still managed properly. Make sure to update and sign off on the SWMS any time there is a change in the work that may increase risk.

SafetyDocs For Every Safe Work Method Statements You Need

Ready to get started on your SWMS? SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture is here to help. We have many customisable safety document templates that meet regulatory requirements and cover many topics, including SWMS. You can start by browsing our most popular SWMS templates and customising them to meet the needs of your work environment:

1. Earthmoving Equipment Safe Work Method Statement. Working with equipment like skid-steerers, backhoes bulldozers, or a powered mobile plant can be dangerous. This template covers the safe operation of these machines and the use of protective equipment, hazard identification and control measures.
2. Silica Dust Safe Work Method Statement. This template covers the necessary safety measures needed when working with these materials.
3. Height Access Equipment Safe Work Method Statement. This SWMS template covers the safety precautions to take when using height access equipment, including harnesses and ladders,
4. Forklift Safe Work Method Statement. This template is a must for any workplace that uses forklifts. This template covers the safety precautions that should be taken when operating these machines.
5. Manual Handling Safe Work Method Statement. This SWMS template covers the safe and proper way to lift heavy objects and use mechanical aids such as trolleys or hoists.
6. Confined Space Work Safe Work Method Statement. This template covers the safety measures to take when working in confined spaces. It discusses emergency plans, rescue procedures, and protective equipment.
7. Painting and Decorating Safe Work Method Statement. When working with hazardous materials, following the proper safety procedures, such as when painting, is critical.
8. Demolition Safe Work Method Statement. Construction projects often involve demolishing buildings or parts of buildings. Be ready for any demolition project with this template.
9. Roof Work Safe Work Method Statement. Activities such as inspecting, repairing and installing roofs can be dangerous. Make sure you are ready with this template.
10. Tiling Safe Work Method Statement. This template covers the safety precautions needed when installing tiles, such as using protective equipment and maintaining the correct posture.

We have more SWMS templates available, so you can ensure all your safety needs are met. Use a template for each task and revise it as needed. Contact us today to learn more about our safe work method statement templates, or discover SWMS for your workplace using the finder below! 

---

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing accurate and informative content. Craig Cruickshank, our senior HSEQ advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture has reviewed this blog post to ensure the highest level of quality.

Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn for more industry insights.

Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business.

Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.