A SWMS is critical for construction based businesses
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for preparing a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), (or ensuring a SWMS has been prepared) —for high risk construction work activities.
SWMS are required for the 18 high risk construction work activities defined in the WHS Regulations.
A SWMS must be prepared before the work starts. For all other construction activities a SWMS is not required. However, a PCBU must still manage, eliminate and minimise safety and health risks.
A SWMS template outlines the information that needs to be included in a SWMS, and therefore is a very useful resource for construction based business operators, small or large.
What is included in the SWMS template?
It sets out the work activities to be carried out at a construction site, the hazards arising from these activities, and the measures to be put in place to control the risks.
One SWMS can be used for work that involves multiple high risk construction work activities. For example, a work activity that requires using powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres and working adjacent to a road used by traffic other than pedestrians.
With over 25 years in the building and construction industry, as well as experience in the Water, Telecommunications and Civil industries, I consider “Safety First Always! my motto.