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• General Construction SWMS.doc file (Word Document)
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Read our Comprehensive Guide on Safe Work Method Statements.

Purpose of a General Construction SWMS

A General Construction SWMS is a document that identifies hazards and controls associated with general construction activities. SWMS also list how the control measures will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

How to Use a General Construction SWMS

This General Construction SWMS is a template only and must be customised for your business by a competent person in consultation with workers.

To complete the SWMS, fill in the details on the front page, including:

• Company details,
• Task, site and PPE details,
• Any relevant codes of practice, licences and high risk construction work, and
• Person responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance.

Ensure task-specific hazards and controls are added:

Other factors that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:

• Relevant legal requirements have been met,
• Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
• Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.

When to Use

Workers should read and agree to comply with the General Construction SWMS prior to operation within your business. It can also be used for refresher training and during the induction / onboarding process.

Who Should Use

General Construction SWMS should be developed by a competent person, in consultation with workers. The SWMS  is then read and followed by the workers. New workers should also read and understand all applicable site / company SWMS during the induction or onboarding process.

Legal Considerations

Legally, businesses (or PCBUs) need to ensure a Safe Work Method Statement is completed prior to high-risk construction work commencing. The requirement for SWMS is outlined in:

• s(299) WHS Regulations – Safe Work Method Statements,
• s(300) WHS Regulations – Compliance with Safe Work Method Statements,
• s(301) WHS Regulations – SWMS Collection by Principal Contractor,
• s(302) WHS Regulations – Review of SWMS, and
• s(303) WHS Regulations – SWMS Record Keeping.

A SWMS may also help to meet:

• s(19)(3)c WHS Act  – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work.

Depending on the task being completed, the following legal requirements may apply:

• s(44 – 47) WHS Regulations – Personal Protective Equipment,
• s(49 – 50) WHS Regulations – Managing Risks from Airbourne Contaminants,
• s(51 – 52) WHS Regulations – Hazardous Atmospheres,
• s(54 – 55) WHS Regulations – Falling Objects,
• s(56 – 59) WHS Regulations – Noise,
• s(60 – 61) WHS Regulations – Hazardous Manual Tasks,
• s(62 – 77) WHS Regulations – Confined Spaces,
• s(78 – 80) WHS Regulations – Falls,
• s(81) WHS Regulations – High Risk Work (Licensing),
• Part 4.6 WHS Regulations – Demolition Work,
• Part 4.7 WHS Regulations – General Electrical Safety,
• Part 4.9 WHS Regulations – Crystalline Silica,
• Chapter 5 WHS Regulations – Plant and Structures,
• Chapter 6 WHS Regulations – Construction Work,
• Chapter 7 WHS Regulations –  Hazardous Chemicals, and
• Chapter 8 WHS Regulations – Asbestos.

FAQ’s

What is High Risk Construction Work?

High risk construction work is defined in WHS Regulations s(291). Some common types of high risk construction work are:

• Working at heights over 2m,
• Working in a trench or excavation over 1.5m,
• Work with mobile plant,
• Work on or adjacent to a roadway, and
• Work in confined spaces.

For a full list of high risk construction work, read our article 18 High Risk Construction Work Activities.

What is General Construction?

General construction encompasses a broad range of activities involved in building and assembling structures. It includes tasks such as site preparation, excavation, foundation work, framing, roofing, electrical and plumbing installations, and finishing work. This field covers everything from residential homes to commercial buildings and infrastructure projects.

What Hazards Are Involved in General Construction ?

Some hazards that are involved in general construction include:

• Falls,
• Falling objects,
• Plant interactions,
• Slips, trips and falls,
• Noise, and
• Flying debris.

How Often Does a General Construction SWMS Need to be Reviewed?

SWMS should be reviewed to ensure safety controls remain effective after:

• The task or environment changes,
• New processes or systems are incorporated into the task, and/or
• Following incidents or safety alerts.

If the task or environmental conditions do not change, SWMS should be reviewed informally by workers prior to each job with a “formal” (documented) review at least yearly.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic construction projects in history, stretches over 13,000 miles and was built over several centuries using a mix of materials including earth, wood, and stone? Its construction involved millions of workers and complex engineering techniques, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of ancient builders.

Article Sources and Further Reading

• A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Work Method Statements (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/safe-work-method-statements/>
• The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
• Safe Work Method Statement for High Risk Construction Work (Safe Work Australia) https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1703/information-sheet-safe-work-method-statement.pdf