SWMS - safe work method statements
You might have heard people on construction sites say "swims" and wondered, "Who's going swimming-i'm up for that?"
In reality, "swims" refers to SWMS—Safe Work Method Statements. These documents help identify hazards and outline measures to reduce risks.
The main goal of a SWMS is to help supervisors, workers, and others on-site understand the requirements for safely carrying out high-risk construction work.
The SWMS:
• sets out the work activities in logical sequences.
• identifies hazards.
• describes control measures.
Any task, whether simple or complex, can be broken down into smaller steps. This helps identify possible dangers and risks in each part of the task. The explanation should be clear enough to spot risks but not so general that it misses important hazards. However, there's no need to include every tiny detail.
The purpose of a SWMS is to:
- Describe the task or activity to be performed.
- Identify the necessary resources, including labour and required skills.
- Assess risks and choose suitable control measures—conducting a risk assessment both before and after applying controls.
- Plan the task systematically to ensure it is completed efficiently, safely, and effectively.
The SWMS should be easy to read so that everyone involved understands the planned risk management and control measures. It must also help ensure the work is carried out as required.
This includes:
• the supervisor of the high-risk construction work
• the worker carrying out the high-risk construction work.
• the principal contractor (if it is a construction project) or the person who has management and control over the high-risk construction work.
Further reading: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/resources/guides/safe-work-method-statements
Templates: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction/house-construction/housing-industry-site-safety-pack/hissp-accodion/your-safe-work-method-statement-swms
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