Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are often thought of as little more than a paperwork requirement. A new tool aims to change this.
A SWMS is a safety planning document that must be developed for work that is considered high-risk construction work.
Safe Work Australia has developed a new interactive tool to help employers and workers better understand how, when and why to complete a SWMS at work. It includes interactive elements and videos that can be used for toolbox talks or as a learning activity.
Fencing work doesn’t generally need an SWMS. However, where it involves high-risk construction work (for example, near an excavation or live electricity), a SWMS may be required. If you’re unsure, your local WHS regulator can provide advice.
A SWMS must be site-specific and made available to everyone involved in high risk construction work, so they can understand the hazards, risks and safety controls that have to be used to keep workers and others safe.
The Safe Work Australia SWMS tool can be used during induction training of new workers, as a learning module for supervisors and managers and as a refresher course for people who have been in the industry many years. The tool is designed to plug into existing L&D systems, or it can be used as is on the Safe Work Australia website.
Safe Work Australia CEO, Marie Boland says “We know from numerous WHS incidents that complacency kills. When hazardous work is done without a clear plan for how to do it safely, workers can be injured or killed. When it comes to high risk construction work, employers have a duty to consider the risks and control them as far as reasonably practicable.
“By documenting a safe system of work every time a high risk job gets done, we save lives by making sure hazards don’t get missed, and everyone understands how to do the work safely. This isn’t about producing reams of paperwork – in fact, if a SWMS is too long, there’s little chance a worker will read or understand it”.
The tool provides general advice applicable to all workplaces. You can check in with your regulator if you need specific advice.
Go to the website and check out the SWMS tool and share it with your colleagues and managers.
