Free Safe Work Method Statement Templates (SWMS)
Access over 40 free Safe Work Method Statement templates with activities, risks and controls as well as PPE, emergency procedures and communication procedures. Access by signing up to SafetyCheck, and use as many as you want as many times as you want. With SafetyCheck’s digital SWMS platform you can easily edit, copy and share SWMS as well as get digital signatures from your team and client.
Do you need a quick SWMS?
Get started by signing up to a free SafetyCheck account. You can use our pre-filled templates and customise for your needs. Download a PDF if you need that. See a sample for General Construction below.
Find the right SWMS for you
Other SWMS templates
- Ceiling Installation SWMS
- Concrete Pouring SWMS
- Confined Spaces SWMS
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- Electrical Testing and Tagging SWMS
- Electrical Work in Bathroom SWMS
- Elevated Work Platform (EWP) SWMS
- Excavation and Trenching SWMS
- Formwork and Falsework SWMS
- Gas Installation and Maintenance SWMS
- Glazing SWMS
- Hazardous Substances SWMS
- Landscaping and Groundworks SWMS
- Lighting Installation SWMS
- Manual Handling SWMS
- Paving and Asphalt Laying SWMS
- Pest Control SWMS
- Pile Driving SWMS
- Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling SWMS
- Sewerage and Drainage Works SWMS
- Site Clearing and Earthmoving SWMS
- Solar Panel Installation SWMS
- Steel Erection SWMS
- Swimming Pool Construction SWMS
- Tiling SWMS
- Traffic Management SWMS
- Tree Lopping and Vegetation Management SWMS
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SWMS meaning
A SWMS stands for Safe Work Method Statement. They are required for High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) in all Australian states. They’re a document the person carrying out the work (the PCBU) must prepare for any specific project or worksite if there is HRCW.
This is an OHS requirement under each Australian State’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.
PCBU meaning
A PCBU is the Person Conducting Business or Undertaking on a construction site or work site.
This is generally the trade, such as the electrician, plumber, roofer or asbestos removalist. When a SWMS is required these are the people who are responsible for what’s in the document, that workers have been consulted and that everyone complies.
Who needs a SWMS?
Any trade contractor who is responsible for carrying out HRCW must have a SWMS under state regulations.
Sometimes clients will ask for a SWMS even if there isn’t HRCW involved, as they take work safety very seriously. If your client has asked for a SWMS then you probably need one before work commences.
PPE meaning
PPE means Personal Protective Equipment. It’s commonly used on a construction site, and almost always used when HRCW is involved.
The most common PPE items are hard hats, steel capped boots, high vis vests and gloves. However many types of high risk work requires specific PPE, such as respiratory protection and safety harnesses.
What’s in a SWMS?
The most important part of a SWMS document is the ‘Tasks, risks and controls’ section. This is where the PCBU must identify hazards that are high risk, and explain how they will control the risks. For example ‘person falling from heights’ is a common risk on construction sites.
PPE required for the work is also covered by a SWMS, including a list of items with their purpose and specifications.
Using a SWMS template
Pre-filled SWMS templates can help you get started. There is no legally required SWMS form, but you need to capture quite a lot of information. Templates cover common tasks, risks and controls aswell as PPE and emergency procedures. If you just need a basic SWMS in place then this may work for you. However, most large and industrial work sites will require a customised SWMS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's a SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a safety document used for high-risk construction work in.
Can a SWMS be a generic template?
A SWMS must be specific to the job, work site and people doing the job. You can start with a template, but yo need to customise it to address the specific risks and controls relevant to the work activity and site.
What happens if my SWMS is wrong?
If your SWMS isn’t fit for purpose and tehre is an incident you could be fined by SafeWork.
More immportantly, if you miss a key risk and control then you’re putting people’s health and lives at risk. A SWMS helps you and the team cover these off.
What happens if people don't comply with my SWMS?
Non-compliance with a SWMS can lead to a Stop Work order from Safw Work as well as fines and other penalties by relevant authorities.
Why are SWMS necessary?
A SWMS takes you through key work activities and risks ensuring you consider the best control measures to limit those risks.
They are a legal requirement under Safe Work regulation and reduce work place safety incidents.
What should be in a SWMS?
A SWMS should include the details of the job, associated activities, hazards and controls, as well as other related information including emergency and communicatio procedures.
What's the difference between a SWMS and a JSA?
SWMS and JSA’s are similar documents. Both outline the job steps, hazards and controls to improve work safely.
The main difference is the SWMS is regulated under the WHS Regulations and legally must be completed for high-risk construction work.
Can SWMS be digital?
Yes, absolutley. As long as a SWMS is accessible to those who need to use and refer to it, digital versions are fine.
In many cases it’s much more efficient to send a digital version for people to review and sign. However, it’s often useful to be able to be able to download a PDF version to print or store.
Have questions about your WHS obligations?
SWMS made easy
Safe Work Method Statement templates and tools for small aussie trade businesses.