Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS): Requirements, Contents and How to Write One

This guide explains what a safe work method statement (SWMS) is, when the law requires one and what it must contain. You will also learn who prepares a SWMS, how to complete one step by step and the common mistakes to avoid.

You can start from our free SWMS template, or if you would rather have a consultant write site-specific SWMS for your high-risk work, see our WHS consulting services.

Safe Work Method Statements (or SWMS) are frontline risk management documents that outline a safe method of work for high-risk construction activities.

For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.

NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that may 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.

Do You Need Safe Work Method Statements?

Legally, a PCBU (business / business owner) must ensure a Safe Work Method Statement is used for all for high-risk construction work. High-risk construction work is defined in Regulation 291 of the WHS Regulations:

• involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres

• is carried out on a telecommunication tower

• involves demolition of an element of a structure that is loadbearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure

• involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos

• involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse

• is carried out in or near a confined space

• is carried out in or near:

  • a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres

  • a tunnel

• involves the use of explosives

• is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping

• is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines

• is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services

• is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

• involves tilt-up or precast concrete

• is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians

• is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant

• is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature

• is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning

• involves diving work

SWMS may be useful for other construction activities, even though they may not be legally required. Having a SWMS can help meet general legal duties, including:

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

• s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Information, Training and Instruction

What Should a SWMS Include?

Contents of a Safe Work Method Statement

Legally, a SWMS must include the following:

• Regulation 299(a) – Identify the work that is high risk construction work

• Regulation 299(b) – Specify hazards relating to the high risk construction work and risks to health and safety associated with those hazards

• Regulation 299(c) – Describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks

• Regulation 299(d) – Describe how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed

A SWMS must also "be prepared taking into account all relevant matters, including":

• Regulation 299(3)(a)(i) – Circumstances at the workplace that may affect the way in which the high risk construction work is carried out

• Regulation 299(3)(a)(ii) – If the high risk construction work is carried out in connection with a construction project—the WHS management plan that has been prepared for the workplace

The SWMS must also "be set out and expressed in a way that is readily accessible and understandable to persons who use it" – Regulation 299(3)(b).

Other Legal Requirements for SWMS

Other legal requirements for SWMS require that the PCBU (business / business owner) must:

• Regulation 300(1) – Put in place arrangements for ensuring that high risk construction work is carried out in accordance with the safe work method statement

• Regulation 300(2) – If high risk construction work is not carried out in accordance with the safe work method statement for the work, the person must ensure that the work stops and is only resumed in compliance with the SWMS.

• Regulation 301 – Provide the SWMS to the Principal Contractor (if relevant)

• Regulation 302 – Review the SWMS as necessary

• Regulation 303 – Keep the SWMS until the work is finished

• Regulation 303 – Keep the SWMS for 2 years if there is a notifiable incident

• Regulation 303 – Ensure workers have access to the SWMS (for the duration required under these regulations)

Who Prepares a SWMS?

The person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) responsible for the high-risk construction work must prepare the SWMS, or ensure it is prepared, by a competent person before the work starts. In practice, this may be the principal contractor, a subcontractor or a specialist consultant.

Consulting workers

Workers who will carry out the work must be consulted when the SWMS is prepared. They must also be given access to the SWMS before work starts, and it is good practice to have them acknowledge that they have read and understood it.

Creating Safe Work Method Statements

A SWMS must be created by a competent person.

Step 1 – Fill Out the Details

Fill out the details, including company name, task name, applicable codes and list the type/s of high risk construction work.

Step 2 – Fill Out the Task Steps and List the Hazards

List the task steps and hazards / risks associated with each step.

Step 3 – Risk Assessment (Initial Risk Score)

Next, you will need to use a Risk Matrix to score the risk (before controls are implemented).

To score the risk, match up the consequence with the likelihood. An example risk matrix is below.

Step 4 – List the Controls

Next list the controls to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with each hazard.

Step 5 – Risk Assessment (Residual Risk Score)

Finally, score the risk again, this time WITH CONTROLS. The risk should have reduced (hopefully to an acceptable level).

Also list who is responsible for implementing the controls.

What Else Can a SWMS Include?

Over the years, SWMS have evolved it more complex documents with additional contents. Additional info may include:

• PPE Requirements

• Licensing Requirements

• Permit Requirements

• The Hierarchy of Controls (for each control)

• Personnel Involved in SWMS Development

• Emergency Response Procedures and Equipment

Emergency procedures should address potential accidents or incidents for the task. Make sure all workers know these procedures and run regular drills.

Common Mistakes When Creating a SWMS

When developing a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), businesses often make several common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness and compliance. One frequent error is treating the SWMS as a tick-box exercise, simply copying generic content without tailoring it to the specific work activity, site conditions, or unique hazards present.

Another mistake is failing to adequately consult with workers who will be performing the high-risk construction work. Their practical experience is invaluable for identifying actual risks and developing effective control measures. Additionally, a SWMS might be poorly communicated or not readily accessible to those who need it, rendering it useless in practice.

Finally, many businesses neglect the crucial step of reviewing and updating the SWMS when circumstances change, such as new equipment, revised work procedures, or incidents occurring. A SWMS is a living document that must remain current to be effective.

Before you issue a SWMS, check that it does not have these common problems:

• Generic content not tailored to the specific job and site conditions

• Controls that are aspirational rather than practical and implementable

• No records of worker consultation or acknowledgement

• Controls that only list PPE without higher-order controls

• No review when site conditions change

Benefits of Safe Work Method Statements

Safe Work Method Statements can help workers and supervisors to implement and monitor the control measures established to make sure the work is carried out safely. A SWMS can also help managers, employees, and clients to ensure jobs have the proper planning, coordinate activities, resources, and protections needed to meet the safety regulations. A SWMS statement provides a way for businesses to communicate safety expectations clearly and concisely, which can save time and money in the long run. Additionally, method statements can provide a clear vision for safe work practices that everyone can follow and set high standards for safe work throughout an organisation.

Spire Safety App: keep your SWMS, forms and registers in one place your team can use anywhere, even offline. See the Spire Safety App in action.

Sources & Further Reading

• Safe work method statements (WorkSafe Queensland)
• Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) template (WorkSafe Victoria)
• 18 High-Risk Construction Activities (Spire Safety)
• Safety Management System for Construction (Spire Safety)