If you’re working in construction, particularly in Australia, and your tasks fall under the high risk category, then you’re legally required to have a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) in place. But beyond compliance, a SWMS is your blueprint for site safety, professionalism, and contract readiness.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about high risk construction work SWMS, what it is, when you need one, what goes into it, and how you can get a ready-made, WHS-compliant template to save time and protect your business.
What Is a High Risk Construction Work SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines how to carry out high risk construction work safely. Specifically, it identifies the hazards, assesses the risks, and details the control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks. In short, it’s a written proof that you’ve thought ahead, identified what could go wrong, and taken steps to manage it.
A high risk construction work SWMS is required by law in Australia under the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, which have been adopted in most states and territories.
What Counts as High Risk Construction Work?
High risk construction work (HRCW) is defined under WHS law as any task that has a high potential for causing serious injury or harm. There are 18 categories of high-risk work that legally trigger the need for a SWMS. These include:
- Work at heights above 2 metres
- Working in or near traffic or moving plant
- Work on or near live electrical installations
- Working near water or in confined spaces
- Demolition of structures
- Use of explosives
- Work involving asbestos
- Use of hazardous chemicals
- Excavation work deeper than 1.5 metres
- Structural alterations requiring temporary supports
If any of these apply to your job, you’re doing high risk construction work, and that means a SWMS is required before you even step foot on site.
Why Is a High Risk SWMS Important?
A SWMS isn’t just a legal obligation. It’s a working document that shows clients, site managers, and regulators that you’re professional, serious about safety, and ready to take responsibility for your work.
Here’s why it matters:
✅ Avoid fines and stop-work orders – No SWMS? No work.
✅ Win contracts – Builders, councils, and commercial clients want to see that you’re compliant.
✅ Protect your team – A clear plan reduces the risk of injury.
✅ Reduce legal exposure – It becomes a key defence tool if there’s an incident.
If you’re quoting for larger contracts, council work, or government jobs, having a clear, high risk SWMS can be the difference between winning or losing the job.
Who Needs to Create the SWMS?
The responsibility lies with the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), usually the subcontractor, sole trader, or business owner performing the work. Even if a head contractor has a generic site SWMS, you still need to provide one that covers your specific activities.
In practice, this means:
- Landscapers need their own SWMS if using power tools or working near roads
- Electricians must have one when working near live wires or in roof cavities
- Demolition contractors need task-specific documentation
If you’re the one doing the job, you’re responsible for the SWMS that applies to your work.
What Should Be Included in a High Risk Construction Work Safe Work Method Statement?
A comprehensive high risk SWMS template should cover:
- ✅ Job Description – The type of work, location, project scope
- ✅ Hazards Identified – e.g. falls, electrocution, plant movement
- ✅ Risk Assessment – The likelihood and severity of each hazard
- ✅ Control Measures – Using the hierarchy of control (eliminate, substitute, engineer, etc.)
- ✅ PPE Requirements – Gloves, helmets, harnesses, etc.
- ✅ Emergency Response – What to do in the event of an accident
- ✅ Personnel Sign-Off – Workers and supervisors must review and sign the document
If you’re using a SWMS template, ensure it’s editable and compliant with Model WHS Regulations, and adjust it to the site-specific conditions of each job.
High Risk Construction Work SWMS Template: Save Time & Stay Compliant
Let’s face it, most tradies and contractors don’t have hours to spend formatting documents from scratch. That’s why we’ve created a fully editable, pre-filled high risk construction work SWMS template that meets 2025 WHS standards.
Whether you’re in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA or anywhere else in Australia, this template is:
✅ Ready to download and edit
✅ Word format (not locked PDFs)
✅ Designed for construction professionals
✅ Fully compliant with WHS laws
👉 Download your High Risk SWMS Template here
You’ll get a clean, structured document that’s easy to update for each site, ready to present to clients, and accepted by head contractors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with High Risk SWMS
Even experienced tradies make these mistakes:
❌ Using a generic SWMS without site-specific detail
❌ Not updating the SWMS before each job
❌ Skipping the worker consultation/sign-off process
❌ Forgetting to include emergency response plans
❌ Using outdated templates that don’t match 2025 WHS law
Our templates are built to help you avoid these traps and stay compliant without the paperwork headache.
Real-World Example: How a Clear SWMS Saved a Contractor from Legal Trouble
A Queensland subcontractor was asked to provide a SWMS for working near a pit that exceeded 1.5m in depth. He had a generic one on file but hadn’t updated it. When an incident occurred on-site (no injuries, thankfully), the principal contractor demanded to see the SWMS.
Because the subcontractor couldn’t show a task-specific version, he was removed from site and missed out on the rest of the contract. A current, site-specific SWMS would have kept him on the job and protected his reputation.
Don’t let that be you.
A Small Step That Protects Your Whole Operation
Preparing a high risk construction work SWMS isn’t just about avoiding fines, it’s about running a business that gets hired again and again.
By using a professional, editable SWMS template, you save time, reduce risks, and show clients that you’re the real deal.
👉 Get your WHS-Compliant High Risk SWMS Template today and take control of your next job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a high risk work SWMS?
It’s a document required under WHS law that outlines how to safely carry out high-risk construction work, such as working at heights or near electrical installations.
Who needs to prepare the SWMS?
The person or business performing the high-risk work, usually a subcontractor or tradesperson, is responsible for creating and using the SWMS.
Can I use a generic SWMS for all my jobs?
No. Your SWMS must reflect the specific risks and site conditions of each job. You can start with a template, but it must be customised.
Do I need a SWMS for residential work?
If the task is classified as high risk (e.g. working at height, trenching, electrical work), yes, regardless of whether it’s a residential or commercial job.
Is your template WHS compliant for 2025?
Yes. Our templates are designed around the latest WHS standards and are accepted across all Australian states and territories.
