A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is one of the most important tools for managing safety when performing high-risk construction work in Australia. It is legally required for specific types of high-risk construction work under the Work Health and Safety Regulations. Preparing a detailed yet practical work method statement (SWMS) helps ensure that hazardous tasks are identified, appropriate risk control measures are selected, and workers are protected from incidents such as a person falling, electrocution from energised electrical installations, or exposure to a contaminated or flammable atmosphere.

Understanding how to prepare, implement, and review a SWMS is crucial for duty holders, including self-employed persons, contractors, builders, and the principal contractor on any large construction project. Below, we explore what a SWMS is, when it is required, and how it should be used to keep everyone safe.

When is a SWMS required?

The WHS Regulations require a SWMS for 18 categories of high risk construction work. A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be prepared for any high-risk construction work, which includes activities that:

• Involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
• Are carried out on a telecommunication tower
• Involve the demolition of a load-bearing element of a structure
• Involve demolition of an element of a structure that affects the physical integrity of the structure
• Involve, or are likely to involve, disturbing asbestos
• Involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse
• Are carried out in or near a confined space
• Are carried out in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel
• Involve the use of explosives
• Are carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping
• Are carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
• Are carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services
• Are carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
• Involve tilt-up or precast concrete
• Are carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane, or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians
• Are carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
• Are carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature
• Are carried out in or near water or other liquids that involve a risk of drowning
• Involve diving work.

Even when more than one PCBU is involved, they must consult, cooperate, and coordinate activities to ensure a workplace-specific SWMS is prepared. A single SWMS can cover multiple high-risk activities if they are part of the same task. However, a separate SWMS may be needed to reflect specific workplace conditions or site-specific factors.

Who is responsible for preparing a SWMS?

The PCBU responsible for the construction work must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or ensure that one has been prepared before the work commences. Typically, this responsibility sits with the builder or subcontractor, who must prepare the SWMS in consultation with workers carrying out the task, safety representatives, and health and safety representatives. Consulting workers is essential, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds, to ensure they understand the hazards and risk controls that apply.

For larger projects where the value of construction work is $250,000 or more, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain the SWMS from any contractor before the high-risk work starts. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be prepared and ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the SWMS. The principal contractor must also include in their WHS management plan how SWMS documents will be collected, checked, and monitored.

At ASSA, our subscription provides clients with access to up-to-date SWMS templates that meet current Australian WHS requirements. We also offer custom SWMS writing services, ensuring your documentation is tailored to specific high-risk activities and workplace conditions, helping you stay compliant and keep your workers safe.

What should be included in a SWMS?

A compliant Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must clearly describe the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out, the hazards and risks associated with those activities, and the control measures to be implemented to manage those risks. It should also specify who is responsible for each control measure, explain how the controls will be implemented, monitored and reviewed, and outline how workers will be informed and trained to follow the SWMS.

While a generic SWMS can be used as a starting point, it must always be reviewed and tailored to the specific workplace. This means taking into account site-specific factors such as the actual work environment, equipment, and conditions. If hazards cannot be fully eliminated, the SWMS must detail the risk control measures that will minimise risks so far as it is reasonably practicable. Ensuring the SWMS is kept up to date and remains effective is critical to meeting WHS obligations and protecting workers on site.

How is a SWMS implemented on-site?

Once a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) has been prepared, it must be readily accessible to all workers, supervisors, and any other duty holders involved in the high-risk construction work. Before work starts, the SWMS should be discussed in a pre-start meeting or toolbox talk, ensuring that everyone understands the risk control measures, the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to use, and the procedures to follow if new hazards arise.

If new hazards emerge or if work is not being carried out in accordance with the SWMS, the work must stop immediately. The SWMS must then go through a review process to determine whether changes are required. Work can only recommence once the SWMS has been updated where necessary and the activity can be performed safely in accordance with the revised SWMS.

Can one SWMS be used for multiple activities?

Yes, a single Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) can cover multiple high-risk construction activities if they are part of the same job. For example, a task might involve using a powered mobile plant, working in a confined space, and carrying out a structural alteration.

However, if the nature of the work or site conditions change significantly, the SWMS must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised. The aim is to ensure the SWMS only includes hazards and controls relevant to the specific task and does not become overly detailed with irrelevant information that could reduce its effectiveness.

Why should a SWMS be reviewed regularly?

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a live document that must be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective in managing risks. Any changes to the work environment, the hazards relating to the task, or the people carrying out the work should trigger a review process. This includes the introduction of new equipment, updated risk assessment findings, or changes in personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Final thoughts and practical advice

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is more than just a legal requirement. It is a vital tool for preventing serious incidents and protecting the health and safety of all affected persons on a construction project. When prepared properly, a SWMS incorporates practical advice, involves safety representatives, and accounts for site‑specific factors to manage hazards effectively.