SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement)

  • What is a SWMS?

    A SWMS is a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks.

  • Why do I need a SWMS?

    It is the law under the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulation 2017 and you must abide by all legislation relevant to your activities. 

  • When do I need a SWMS?

    A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is required to have a SWMS prepared for high-risk construction work before that work commences.
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Custom SWMS

SAFETY DOCUMENTS TAILORED FOR YOUR WORK.

You may be in a niche industry, or carry out highly specific work, and you feel like none of Simply Safe’s SWMS templates captures your scope of works. We can create a fully custom SWMS for your business and activities that covers all aspects of your operations. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

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Why You Can't Just Use a Generic SWMS

A SWMS must be job-specific and cover all high-risk construction work you will be performing. A lot of jobs or sites can be unique and different from the last. This is why a generic SWMS should not be used – it is not a sign-and-forget document.

Our template SWMS do cover a lot of the activities performed however to ensure full compliance with the laws and regulations, as well as set you apart from your competition, we strongly recommend taking advantage of our Custom SWMS service. We can tailor your SWMS to reflect exactly what work you are doing, and nothing that you aren’t.

Show your clients, colleagues and staff that you are serious about the safety of yourself and your workers as well as your business. Impress with your high calibre documentation to secure ongoing work and foster strong professional relationships.

What Does the Legislation Say?

As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) you must manage risks to health and safety by eliminating risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and if it is not reasonable practicable, to minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

A Safe Work Method Statement, or SWMS, is a written document that must identify:

  • the “high risk construction work” (HRCW) activities to be carried out at a workplace, 
  • the hazards and risks to health and safety arising from these activities, 
  • the measures to be implemented to control the risks 
  • how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed. 

Its primary purpose is to help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), supervisors and workers to implement and monitor the control measures established at the workplace to ensure high risk construction work is carried out safely.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is required for the “high risk construction work” (HRCW) activities defined in the WHS Regulation and must be prepared by a PCBU and, if required, provide a copy to the principal contractor, before HRCW starts. (WHS Reg 2017 Section 299 & 301)

A SWMS preparation must be done in consultation with the workers who will actually be performing the high-risk work. 

When more than 1 type of high-risk construction work is being carried out, one SWMS can be prepared to cover all activities. Alternatively, you can prepare separate SWMS. 

The SWMS should be kept and made available at the workplace where the high-risk construction work will be carried out and until the work in which it relates is completed. A SWMS can also be kept electronically if it is readily available to workers. (WHS Reg 2017 Section 303)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view a sample SWMS before I buy?

Of course you can. Click here for a sample template.

What if laws and regulations change due to legislation updates?

Simply Safe will send an email to existing/previous customers informing them that updates/amendments have been implemented to legislation. For any products you have already purchased, Simply Safe can implement these changes for a small amendment fee. 

How do Simply Safe SWMS Templates work?

Depending on which product you purchase, there will be pre-filled content – the templates are not blank! For example, if you purchase an EWP SWMS, there will be pre-filled tasks, controls, risk ratings, equipment etc. From there you can add your logo, business details, add/remove any details as required and it’s ready to go.

All of our documents are provided in Microsoft Word format (MS Word) so you will need to have MS Word installed on your computer to be able to download, edit and save.

What do I do once I download my SWMS?

You must ensure you review the document and make sure everything included is an actual reflection of what work you will be doing. You must also add in your business details, any site-specific details such as risks, PPE etc, as well as any particular requirements from your client or principal contractor. It is recommended all fields of the SWMS are reviewed by your company and completed. 

How do I customise my SWMS?

With every purchase, a detailed instruction document is provided to guide you through the process from the moment of purchase, through to the submission of your SWMS as well as advice for ongoing maintenance of your documentation. This will cover items such as:

  • Adding your logo and company details
  • Modifying content 
  • Addition of information and advice on what to include
  • Document control advice e.g. revision dates
  • Advice for ongoing review and control of your SWMS 

All of our documents are provided in Microsoft Word format (MS Word) so you will need to have MS Word installed on your computer to be able to download, edit and save.

Is there a refund policy?

Simply Safe prides itself on high quality products, that reflect current requirements of relevant legislation and match the description on our website, so you know exactly what you are receiving. 

If you are unhappy with the product you have purchased or it does not meet your expectations, and within 7 days of purchase, contact us via our website immediately and we will ensure all efforts are made to promptly rectify any gaps or dissatisfaction you may have with your purchase.  

Unfortunately, Simply Safe does not provide refunds due to the fact our products cannot be returned without trace. We also do not offer refunds for change of mind or incorrect purchase. 

Is it really an instant download?

You will receive your purchased product/s to your email directly upon receipt of payment from our store which takes approximately 30min. If at any point you experience issues downloading or receiving your purchase, contact us immediately.

All of our documents are provided in Microsoft Word format (MS Word) so you will need to have MS Word installed on your computer to be able to download, edit and save.

My business doesn’t operate in NSW – can I still buy and use these SWMS? 

Yes, you absolutely can. However, as a PCBU, and as legislation can vary state-to-state, you must ensure that you amend/remove/include any relevant information in your SWMS as per your state’s legislative requirements.