What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

 A safe work method statement, also known as a SWMS (pronounced ‘swims’) is a written document that communicates to construction workers how high-risk construction work will be completed safely. It is basically a risk assessment that identifies the hazards and risks associated with various tasks and describes how they can be controlled in order to ensure the safety of all workers and others who may be harmed as a result of the work. What constitutes high-risk construction work is defined in detail in the regulations of each state’s workplace safety and health legislation.

When creating a safe work method statement, make sure it is an easy document to read and that it moves along in logical steps. It should not be too broad and skip over tasks and miss out on identifying hazards and how to control them, but it also should not be too detailed in order to be difficult to understand.

If you don’t have the time or the knowledge to write your own safe work method statement, there are many free safe work method statement examples and templates available online that may be useful for business owners.

What are SWMS and how do I write one using a free template? will help you if want to write your own safe work method statement using a free template.

In order to ensure that employees have a copy of safe work method statements, Safe-R Outcomes recommends that digital versions be emailed to them. We also recommend that all contractors receive a copy of the safe work method statement before beginning any work. It is recommended that you review your safe work method statement on a regular basis, or at the beginning of each job (depending on your scope of work), and that each employee sign the document after it has been reviewed to demonstrate that they have read it and understand how they will work safely.

Remember that most states have specific legislation governing what information must be included in a safe work method statement for construction projects. If you would rather trust the experts, you can check out our range of safe work method statements which are specific to each trade in the construction industry. 

You may be subject to a fine as well as having your construction site closed to all work until you have put in place a safe work method statement. This could result in your project being shut down for several hours or even days while you wait for the inspector to give you permission to resume work.

What is the purpose of a Safe Work Method Statement?

Construction is an inherently risky industry with a very high rate of injuries and fatalities. Building sites can be hectic with many different trades with different safety procedures all working around each other at the same time. Safe work method statements are there to help everyone on site understand who is doing what and how they are doing it. A safe work method statement is also an easy way to show who is providing what control measures such as scaffolding. So, the purpose is to document and communicate everything a worker needs to know to do their job safely in an easy to understand way that is not full of technical jargon. 

When it comes to construction or building sites, it is an important component of the overall safety plan. Its purpose is to provide clear instructions on what needs to be done, how it will be done, and who will be responsible for doing it.

Many Australian states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia, require one to be in place by law.

What should be included in a Safe Work Method Statement?

It is necessary to include all relevant information about the job you are performing in a safe work method statement. Your content should include information on the hazards involved, the procedures to be followed, the controls to be implemented, personal protective equipment to be worn, emergency procedures to be followed, and communication methods. You should use a risk matrix to help you decide the how low or high the risk for each task is, and then the hierarchy of control to decide what are the best options for controlling the risks.

Because there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” safe work method statement, your particular one should be tailored to the specific job at hand. It is critical to collaborate with the Principal Contractors and other tradespeople on the job site to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of the SWMS before work begins. You must also make sure that your safe work method statement doesn’t contradict what is in another safe work method statement on the site. If they do contradict each other, it can be confusing for workers, and increase the risk of an incident occurring. 

As a result, it is critical to review and update your safe work method statement on a regular basis as necessary. Changes in weather conditions, the introduction of new hazards, or the updating of safety procedures may necessitate the revision of your safe work method statement.

Preparation and communication are essential when working safely on a construction or building site. A safe work method statement is an important part of the planning process, and it can help to keep everyone on the job as safe as it possibly can be.

There may be a safe work method statement for each specific task at some sites, while others will have one for the job as a whole or for each specific trade. We at Safe-R Outcomes strive to make things as simple as possible for our customers, which is why the majority of our safe work method statements are written for specific trades and cover all of the tasks that they may encounter in the course of their day to day work.

Your safe work method statement should be kept in a safe place where it can be accessed by anyone who needs it, whether they are employees, visitors, or workplace safety inspectors. You can keep a hard copy in your vehicle or in the electrical box, or you can keep a digital/soft copy on your phone or tablet as a PDF or download it to your device.

Whenever possible, it is best to work from the original rather than a photocopy if you are working from a hard copysafe work method statement . You should always mark any changes you make to your safe work method statement on the original and keep it with you so that it can be referred to in the future if you need to. This is part of good house keeping when it comes to safety records.

Remove sections of your safe work method statement by drawing a line through them in pencil and noting what has been removed at the end of the document. If there are more than one page, cross reference the first page and include the words “whited out pages” below the references to distinguish them. Don’t forget to date and sign off on each and every version of your safe work method statement! Consequently, if something goes wrong, you can show that you reviewed your safe work method statement and when it was done. It is really important that you can provide up to date information to inspectors, police and lawyers if required. 

Keep in mind that if you are working from a hard copy of your safe work method statement, you should always have the original on hand while on the job. Assuming you are working from a digital or soft copy, make a backup in case anything happens to your device.

The most effective way to ensure that everyone adheres to your safe work method statement is to have them all read, understand, and agree to it in advance. You can accomplish this by holding a meeting before beginning work or by including it as part of your induction process, for example. Posting your safe work method statement in a visible location where all employees can see it is also a good way to remind everyone of their responsibilities in a safe and efficient environment.

It is your responsibility to take action if someone does not follow your safe work method statement. This could include anything from giving verbal instructions and direction to the worker to temporarily suspending the job until the problem is fixed. If the employee refuses to comply, you may need to bring the situation to the attention of their supervisor or employer.

Purpose of SWMS: Why It’s Essential for Workplace Safety

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is far more than just a compliance document—it serves as a fundamental tool for safeguarding workers, managing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance across high-risk worksites. Understanding the purpose of SWMS is key to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

The Core Purpose of a SWMS

The primary purpose of a SWMS is to clearly outline how specific high-risk activities will be carried out safely. It acts as a structured plan that enables workers and supervisors to identify potential hazards and establish appropriate control measures before work commences.

Key Objectives of a SWMS

1. Hazard Identification – Recognizing potential risks that could cause injury or harm during specific tasks.
2. Risk Control – Implementing strategies to eliminate or minimize identified hazards to protect all site personnel.
3. Worker Safety – Providing clear instructions to ensure workers follow safe practices when performing high-risk activities. This includes what PPE should be used.
4. Legal Compliance – Meeting Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations, which helps avoid legal penalties and enhances overall site safety.
5. Consistent Safety Standards – Establishing a standardized approach to managing workplace risks across all projects.

Why the Purpose of SWMS Matters

The purpose of SWMS extends beyond documentation. It actively promotes a culture of safety by fostering awareness, encouraging responsibility, and ensuring that all team members understand the risks and how to mitigate them. In industries such as construction, electrical work, and civil engineering, where hazards are part of daily operations, an effective SWMS plays a crucial role in preventing accidents, injuries, and costly delays.

Additionally, in many cases, a SWMS is a legal requirement for high-risk construction work. Failing to have an appropriate SWMS in place can result in significant fines, work stoppages, or legal action.

Implementing SWMS for Real-World Safety

To fully realize the purpose of SWMS, it is vital that the document is site-specific, regularly reviewed, and communicated clearly to all workers involved in the high-risk tasks. A SWMS should not be treated as a static document but rather as a dynamic tool that evolves with the project and its associated risks.

By integrating a well-structured SWMS into daily operations, businesses can not only achieve compliance but also foster a safer, more efficient workplace for everyone involved.

Safe Work Method Statement: A Critical Tool for Workplace Safety

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is an essential document that outlines the step-by-step procedures required to carry out high-risk construction work safely. It serves as a risk management tool that helps identify potential hazards, implement effective control measures, and ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A Safe Work Method Statement is a legally required document for high-risk construction activities in Australia. It provides a clear framework that guides workers on how to perform tasks safely while minimizing potential hazards. SWMS is designed to protect not only the workers directly involved in the task but also others who may be affected by the work being carried out.

When is a Safe Work Method Statement Required?

A SWMS is mandatory for any construction activity defined as high-risk work under WHS regulations. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Working at heights above 2 meters
• Operating heavy machinery or mobile plant
• Electrical work involving live wires
• Demolition or structural alterations
• Work in confined spaces or near traffic
• Use of hazardous substances

Core Elements of a Safe Work Method Statement

To be effective, a Safe Work Method Statement must include the following key components:

1. Description of the High-Risk Activity – Clearly outlines the task and scope of work.
2. Potential Hazards – Identifies the specific risks associated with the task.
3. Control Measures – Details how risks will be eliminated or reduced to ensure worker safety.
4. Roles and Responsibilities – Assigns accountability for implementing and monitoring safety measures.
5. Emergency Procedures – Provides guidance on actions to take in case of an incident or unexpected hazard.

The Importance of a Safe Work Method Statement

The primary goal of a SWMS is to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. It encourages proactive risk management, ensures all workers are informed about potential dangers, and sets clear guidelines for safe practices. Additionally, it helps employers comply with WHS regulations, reducing the risk of legal penalties and work stoppages.

By integrating a Safe Work Method Statement into daily operations, businesses can improve site safety, enhance efficiency, and create a more structured approach to risk management.

A well-prepared SWMS is not just about meeting legal requirements, it’s about creating safer worksites for everyone involved.

How can Safe-R Outcomes help your business?

Our Professional subscriptions contain many essential documents including:

• WHS Management Plans / Safety Manuals
• SWMS (if the job entails high risk tasks)
• a range of SOPs, Registers, Toolbox Talks, Checklists and Policies

These can all be downloaded and are not blank templates, so can be used immediately.

We also provide Induction training to help you on-board new employees and contractors.

As you can see it is all done for you so it makes it nice and simple. You can find out more on the Industries and Professions page.

If you’re concerned about the time commitment and knowledge required to implement the correct documents, procedures and training for forklift safety, Safe-R Outcomes can help. We strive to reduce the time and cost for businesses to implement their legally necessary safety requirements.