A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a critical document used in the construction industry to outline the high-risk work activities being carried out, the potential hazards involved, and the control measures in place to reduce risks. It is both a planning and communication tool, ensuring that workers and contractors understand how to perform tasks safely and in compliance with workplace health and safety laws.
A SWMS is not a “set and forget” document. To remain effective, it must be regularly reviewed and updated. Industry best practice, along with legal requirements, states that a SWMS should be reviewed before high-risk construction work begins, and then at least every 6 to 12 months, or at a frequency determined by the Principal Contractor’s safety system. This helps ensure the SWMS remains relevant to the work and reflects current risks. More importantly, a SWMS must be reviewed immediately if certain events occur.
When to Review a SWMS
- Before work commences:
A SWMS must be reviewed to confirm it accurately reflects the specific workplace, site conditions, and task to be performed. This ensures all foreseeable hazards and controls are identified before work begins. - Following an incident:
If a notifiable incident or even a near miss occurs, the SWMS must be reviewed and updated. This allows lessons learned from the event to be incorporated, preventing similar incidents from happening again. - When controls are ineffective:
If a control measure put in place to manage a risk is found to be ineffective or fails during the course of the work, the SWMS needs to be revised. Workers must be informed of updated measures so risks remain managed. - After a change to the work:
Changes in how the work is performed, the introduction of new systems, or modifications to the worksite itself require an immediate SWMS review. This ensures the document stays aligned with current work practices. - When new hazards are identified:
If new hazards are discovered as the work progresses, the SWMS must be updated to include appropriate risk controls.
By keeping SWMS documents current and relevant, workplaces can better protect workers, comply with regulations, and foster a strong safety culture.
If you need help with this, please contact us on 0408 897 079 or at suzanne@performanceadvantage.com.au.