Safe Work Method Statement Template
Safe Work Method Statement Template
THIS SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT IS APPROVED BY THE PCBU OF THE PROJECT
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation (WHS Regulation), a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is required to ensure that a safe work method statement (SWMS) is prepared before
the proposed work starts.
Full Name: Double click to add name. (Note: Double click all grey fields to electronically edit).
Details of the person(s) responsible for ensuring implementation, monitoring and compliance of the SWMS as well as reviews and modifications of the SWMS.
Full Name: Double click to add name. Title: Double click to add title. Phone: Double click phone.
ALL PERSONNEL PARTICIPATING IN ANY ACTIVITY ON THIS SWMS MUST NAME AND DATED SIGNATURE OF ALL RELEVANT PERSONNEL WHO HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND
HAVE THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATED COMMUNICATED TO IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL OF THIS SWMS
Safety meetings or toolbox talks will be scheduled in accordance with legislative NAME SIGNATURE DATE
requirements to first identify any site hazards, secondly to communicate those
hazards and then to further take steps to either eliminate or control each hazard. Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
If an incident or a near miss occurs, all work must stop immediately. Depending Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
on the severity of the incident, a meeting will be called with all workers to amend
the SWMS if required. The meeting may also be an educational opportunity. Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
Any changes made to the SWMS after an incident or a near miss must be Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
approved by the Person Conducting Business or Undertaking and
communicated to all relevant personnel. Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
The SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the work is Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
completed. Where a SWMS is revised, all versions should be kept. If a notifiable
incident occurs in relation to which the SWMS relates, then the SWMS must be
kept for at least two years from the occurrence of the notifiable incident. Double click to add name. 25 May 2022
Project Name: Double click to add project name. Provide a detailed description of the specific work being carried out (otherwise
known as a scope of works).
Project Address: Double click to add project address.
involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters. is carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping.
is carried out on a telecommunication tower. is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines.
involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing. is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services.
involves demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure. is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere.
involves structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse. is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor.
is carried out in or near a confined space. is carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant.
is carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives. is carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature.
is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning. involves diving work.
Forklift Crane/s Hoist/s Excavator Backhoe/Loader Boom Lift EWP Genie Lift
Trencher Drilling Rig Trucks Formwork Bobcat Flammable Gas Fuel Dozer
High Voltage Mulcher Tilt-up Panels Roller Scissor Lift Tractor Other - Double click here to enter details.
Select the appropriate PPE above suitable for the equipment used or the job task being performed (if applicable).
Note: A SWMS must be reviewed regularly to make sure it remains effective. A SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures are revised. The
review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the operation of the SWMS and their health and
safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.
When a SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure all:
1. persons involved in the work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised SWMS;
2. persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties
consistently with the revised SWMS; and,
3. workers that will be involved in the work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised SWMS.
Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions and make sure that:
Make sure all workers have the appropriate qualifications required before
starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses
and qualifications of personnel. All personnel must:
Double Double Double click to add
A lack of personnel competency may
3. Training and worker Click Click name of
lead to injury, property damage and/or - Be trained and/or have received instructions on this SWMS including all safety
qualifications Enter Enter responsible
environmental impact. and emergency procedures.
Risk Risk person.
- Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in all delegated
tasks/responsibilities
- Be fully aware and understand the scope of work
Work must not be conducted near powerlines. 3m above, either side and below
power lines are NO GO ZONES.
Check that:
- There are no overhead power lines, including high or low voltage conductors
Electricity - There are no Single Wire Earth Return cables (SWER)
Double Double Double click to add
Underground services - There are no service cables, communication cables or electrical transformers
Click Click name of
Slips, trips and falls
Enter Enter responsible
Environmental impacts Identify and document the maximum range of equipment, including the
Risk Risk person.
proximity of any loads or machinery to any energy sources. Be sure to follow all
regulatory guidelines in relation to working near electrical sources.
Never conduct work within 10m radius of a SWER transformer. For work within
Minimum Clearance Zones, contact the power supplier.
Before conducting any excavations, contact Dial Before You Dig and contact
the relevant department/s for plans and required documentation.
Make sure all underground services have been identified, and that all
4. Work area setup Double Double Double click to add
information is accurate and complete as to the location of the underground
Click Click name of
Underground services service/s. Be sure to use an authorised licensed contractor when testing areas
Enter Enter responsible
for underground services.
Risk Risk person.
Use caution when working within the vicinity of gas mains. Be sure to tag all
services with high visibility equipment for all personnel to avoid potential
incidents when coming within the vicinity of exposed underground services.
Always keep watch for moving plant, equipment, machinery and vehicles. Be
sure to also listen for any reversing alarms and beepers.
If possible, always work within the area of vision of a plant operator and avoid
working in the blind spot of a machinery operator as much as is reasonably
Double Double Double click to add
practicable.
5. Delivery of materials and Click Click name of
Collision with vehicles or machinery
equipment Enter Enter responsible
Avoid standing between two moving vehicles, or the rear of a vehicle and a
Risk Risk person.
structure, such as a building.
Make sure the grip tapes on ladder treads are in good condition.
Slip off ladder attached to the tipper
body Always maintain three points of contact at all times.
Entanglement with equipment on truck Make sure safety boots are in good condition and have good grip on soles.
Slips and falls while amongst Double Clean mud off the treads before stepping on them. Double Double click to add
9. Climbing into back of truck to
access plant and equipment on equipment on truck Click - Work steadily and do not rush. Click name of
truck body. Enter Enter responsible
Fall from back of truck while Make sure all plant and attachments are secured on the truck at the end of
Risk Risk person.
accessing equipment each use so they are not unstable when walked on.
Use available hand grips on the machine while moving around them.
Never jump across machines, hop down then re-climb on new obstacle.
Always park truck so there is minimum distance from tail gate to ground.
10. Unloading excavator from Double Double Double click to add
Machine failure
back of truck to the ground. Click - Click name of
Always use machines to move attachments around the job site – do not use
hands.
If it is impossible to use the machine, try to use a smaller machine on site or
another means.
Lifting machine attachments by hand:
1. Buckets When attachments have to be handled manually, use as many persons as
2. Hoses available and practical to lift attachments.
11. Manual handling of materials 3. Security screens Double Double Double click to add
Keep Quick Hitch Pin in place at all times and in sight of operator.
and attachments where 3. Pins Click - Click name of
mechanical aids are not practical. Enter Always use proper tools for each application. Enter responsible
Maintenance on machine while at site
Risk Risk person.
Use lever bars in place of brute force.
Lifting of materials e.g. reo cages
If available, use hydraulic or pneumatic aided tools.
Do not strike spanners with the palm of hand.
If replacement parts exceed 20kgs, use handling aid to move them.
Always try to get the machine serviced preferably in a workshop rather than on
site.
Machine failure Make sure beeper and flash light are working properly.
Entanglement with hydraulic moving Make sure the machine is turned off before exiting cabin.
boom arms.
Always place bucket firmly on ground in a closed position before exiting cabin.
Collisions with other mobile plant.
Make sure all attachments are in safe working condition, all hoses are secure
Collisions with other persons and not leaking.
Working near batters/drop offs Never allow any person to be within 1m of boom of excavator radius while
machine is in switched on condition.
Dust inhalation
Double Without exception, allow only competent and ticketed operator only to operate Double Double click to add
Exposure to noise the machine.
15. Loading spoil into tip truck. Click - Click name of
Exposure to sun Enter Where practical, use exclusion zones to keep unauthorised persons out of work Enter responsible
Persons caught between truck body Risk area. Risk person.
and excavator Observe speed limit at all times (all signage).
Entanglement with attachments (mud Make sure that flashing light/beeper is on.
bucket)
Place spotter where practical/available.
Entanglement with hydraulic moving
boom arm Wear high-visibility PPE at all times.
Loading trucks near batters/drop offs Check work are before entry and acknowledge other items of plant on site and
their proximity to path of entry.
Clean up all work areas thoroughly and ensure there are no offcuts, debris or
waste materials left within the vicinity of the work area. If machinery will be
Slips, trips and falls
parked at the worksite area, be sure to park the plant, machinery or vehicle in a
safe place, if possible, under cover and out of the weather and ensuring to
remove all keys, spare keys and valuables. Always lock the plant, machinery or
equipment after use.
Moving machinery or mobile plant and
equipment
After using work equipment, always use gloves while cleaning down the tools
Double Double Double click to add
and machines, in order to avoid cuts, lacerations and burns from hot material
Click Click name of
18. Completion of job such as hot metal, fragmented discs or tool parts. Be sure to inspect the piece
Cuts, lacerations and burns Enter Enter responsible
of equipment for any damage, and if damaged be sure to attach lockout tags
Risk Risk person.
and document the requirements in an equipment maintenance register.
Ensure to have an Emergency Management Plan in place as well as adequate numbers of trained first aid staff with easy access to fully stocked first aid kits, rescue equipment, material safety data sheets,
adequate access to emergency communication equipment and fire-fighting equipment suitable for all classes of fire and ignition sources.
LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES
RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND CODES OF PRACTICE. DELETE THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES IN ANY STATE THAT ARE NOT APPLICABLE
The signed and dated personnel listed below have cooperated in the consultation and development of this Safe Work Method Statement which has been approved by the Person/s Conducting a Business or
Undertaking (PCBU). In signing this Safe Work Method Statement each individual acknowledges and confirms that they have read this SWMS in full, having raised any questions for items on this Safe Work
Method Statement that require clarification, and confirms that they are competent, skilled and knowledgeable for the task assigned to them. Every person acknowledges that they have received the relevant
training and qualifications where required, before carrying out any work contained in this Safe Work Method Statement. By signing this Safe Work Method Statement each individual agrees to work safely, to
follow any safe work instructions which are provided, and agrees to use all Personal Protective Equipment where appropriate.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
Double click to enter name. Double click position. Date: 25 May 2022 7:22 AM Double click supervisor name.
The SWMS must be reviewed regularly to make sure it remains effective and must be reviewed (and The SWMS must be monitored regularly for the effectiveness of ensuring hazard controls are
revised if necessary) if relevant control measures are revised. The review process should be carried out in effective in reducing the risk of incidents, keeping the workplace safe for all personnel. The
consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the operation person responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Safe Work Method Statement should
of the SWMS and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the employ a multi-faceted approach which includes but is not limited to:
workplace.
1. Spot Checks.
When the SWMS has been revised the PCBU must ensure that all persons involved with the work are 2. Consultation with workers, contractors and sub-contractors.
advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised SWMS, including all persons 3. Internal audits on a continual basis.
who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in
a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised SWMS. All workers that An approach of continuous improvement, promptly recording inconsistencies or deficiencies,
will be involved in the work must be provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist followed up by immediate corrective action and consultation with all relevant personnel ensures
them to understand and implement the revised SWMS. that the PCBU is consistently developing ever-improving systems of safe work principles.
REVIEW NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NAME Double click.
INITIALS Double click.
DATE
This Safe Work Method Statement Review Checklist is to be followed and used upon initial development of the SWMS to help ensure that all steps have been adequately taken before work commences.
Think of this document as an internal audit review checklist before commencing work, and may form part of a Toolbox Talk (safety meeting) and may be used as an opportunity for education and training.
The company details have been entered, including the project name and address.
Names and signatures of all relevant personnel consulted during the development of the SWMS.
Name, signature, position and date signed of the person approving the SWMS.
Provides a step-by-step process of tasks required to carry out the activity or task.
Any hazards listed in any site risk assessments have been added to the SWMS.
SWMS initial risk (IR) column as well as residual risk (RR) columns completed.
Check control measures added to the SWMS are the most effective selections.
Responsible person is assigned and listed on the SWMS for the implementation of control measures.
Permit requirements specified, such as Hot Work, Electrical Work, Work at Heights etc.
Details of inspection checks required for any equipment listed are noted on the SWMS.
Describes any mandatory qualifications, experience, training or skills required to perform the work.
Identifies any hazardous substances used with specific control measures in line with any SDS.