What is a SWMS?
A SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks.
SWMS are designed to help you and your team to manage high-risk construction work.
When do you need to prepare a SWMS?
A PCBU must prepare a SWMS, or ensure a SWMS has been prepared, for high risk construction work activities. A SWMS must be prepared before this work starts.
What is considered a high risk construction work activity?
Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
Work on a telecommunication tower
Demolition of load-bearing structure
Likely to involve disturbing asbestos
Temporary load-bearing support for structural alterations or repairs
Work in or near a confined space
Work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m or a tunnel
Use of explosives
Work on or near pressurised gas mains or piping
Work on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Tilt-up or precast concrete elements
Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians
Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
Work in areas with artificial extremes of temperature
Work in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning