Draft a Safe Work Method Statement: flag the high-risk construction work, break the job into steps with hazards and controls, and print it for the crew to sign on.
| Step | Hazards | Controls |
|---|---|---|
None selected.
| # | Job step | Hazards | Control measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add job steps above. | |||
Workers confirm they have read, understood and will comply with this SWMS.
Enter the project, activity, company and who prepared it, and tick any high-risk construction work involved.
For each job step, note the hazards and the control measures that reduce the risk — using the hierarchy of controls.
Print or save the SWMS, then have every worker read it and sign on before the high-risk work starts.
A Safe Work Method Statement is a document required before high-risk construction work starts. It identifies the work, the hazards involved, and the measures used to control the risks, and it must be followed on site. It’s a legal requirement under WHS law for the defined categories of high-risk construction work.
A SWMS is required for high-risk construction work — for example work with a fall risk over 2 m, near live electrical, in confined spaces, involving asbestos or demolition, in trenches deeper than 1.5 m, and other defined categories. The full list is in the WHS Regulations.
This tool helps you draft one and produces a clean printable document, but it’s a starting template. A compliant SWMS must genuinely reflect the actual work, hazards and controls for your specific job, be prepared in consultation with workers, and be reviewed and followed. Have a competent person check it.
The business carrying out the high-risk construction work prepares the SWMS, in consultation with the workers who will do the job. Workers should read and sign on to confirm they understand it before starting, and it must be reviewed if the work or conditions change.
This generator produces a draft SWMS template to help you prepare, not a compliant statement. A SWMS must reflect the actual work, hazards and controls, be prepared in consultation with workers, and meet the WHS Regulations for high-risk construction work. Have it reviewed by a competent person.
traqR keeps SWMS, risk assessments and site records against each job so they’re always to hand. Try it free for 14 days.