What does SWMS mean?

If you’re working in construction or high-risk industries, you’ve probably heard the term SWMS. But what does it mean, and why is it important?

SWMS stands for Safe Work Method Statement. It’s a crucial document that outlines the hazards and risks associated with specific tasks or projects and details how these risks will be controlled to ensure worker safety.

NECA SWMS template

Why is an SWMS important?

SWMS documents are not just paperwork — they’re a proactive safety tool. They:

  • Identify hazards, highlighting potential risks in the workplace.
  • Detail risk controls, outlining steps to eliminate or minimize hazards.
  • Promote accountability, specifying who is responsible for implementing safety measures.
  • Ensure compliance, helping businesses meet legal safety obligations.

When do I need a SWMS?

SWMS are mandatory for HRCW, such as working at heights, using hazardous chemicals, operating heavy machinery, or working in confined spaces. Sometimes they’re used on a construction site just to improve general safety.

 

SWMS required by regulation

State governments in Australia all have regulation covering safety, overseen by their safe work bodies, aswell as SafeWork Australia. They have all mandated that a SWMS is created by the Person Carrying out Business Undertaking (PCBU) when the work invoves HRCW.

There are nineteen types of HRCW whih you can read about here.

If you’re doing HRCW without a SWMS, and something goes wrong, you’ll get a hefty fine.

SWMS required by policy of the hiring contractor

Many businesses require contractors to provide SWMS before starting work as a way to manage safety across their sites. This practice has become more common, particularly with large construction businesses and is often a burden to small contractors.

However, once a trade contractor has a SWMS in place and a good system to reuse and distribute them to clients and their team then it’s fairly straight forward.

Ultimately winning the work can come down to having a decent SWMS in place so get one set up.

What’s is a SWMS?

SWMS are a comprehensive safety document designed to cover who’s involved in a project, what the risks are, and what mitigation has been put in place. It also makes sure people involved know what’s going on. There are seven key sections:

  1. Job details
  2. Tasks, risks and controls
  3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  4. Emergency procedures
  5. Communications
  6. Worker register
  7. Review and approver signing page

Read about each section in more detail here.

Simplify SWMS with SafetyCheck

At SafetyCheck, we understand that creating and managing SWMS can be time-consuming. That’s why we provide easy-to-use digital tools to help you create, edit, sign and share SWMS efficiently—ensuring your team stays safe and compliant. Find out more about how it works here.

Stay safe and compliant with SafetyCheck.co. Ready to simplify your safety processes? Let’s get started!

Learn about other safety topics

Why does safety matter?

What businesses need to do

Process & documents

Process & documents (cont.)

PPE

SWMS made easy

Safe Work Method Statement templates and tools for small aussie trade businesses.

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