SAFETY JANE FAYAD HIA Business Safety Manager SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS (SWMS) What is a Safe Work Method The person responsible for carrying management plan (for construction projects Statement (SWMS)? out the construction work is best placed $250,000 or greater), specific arrangements A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is to prepare the SWMS in consultation with for collecting, assessing, monitoring and a critical safety document that is required workers who will be directly engaged in reviewing the SWMS. when undertaking high-risk construction the work. A principal contractor should put work or when providing training or induction arrangements in place to ensure construction to workers for various job activities. What should a SWMS Include? work is performed safely in accordance with Some typical examples include The SWMS should: the SWMS. This can be done by reviewing construction work that: • identify the construction work, and monitoring the implementation of the • involves a risk of a person falling more specifically high-risk construction work SWMS. They should also ensure they co-sign than two metres • specify hazards relating to the the SWMS as approved. • involves, or is likely to involve, the construction work and risks to health and If the SWMS is not being followed work disturbance of asbestos safety associated with those hazards is to cease (when it is safe to do so). The • involves structural alterations or repairs • describe the measures to be implemented SWMS should then be reviewed and revised that require temporary support to to control the risks and describe how the if required to reflect the safest way to carry prevent collapse control measures are to be implemented, out the work in a reasonably practicable • is carried out in an area at a workplace in monitored and reviewed. way. Work is not to recommence until it can which there is any movement of powered be undertaken as per the SWMS. mobile plant. What are the principal contractor A SWMS sets out the construction job (usually the builder) duties? What are the duties of those activities to be carried out at a workplace. A principal contractor is required to obtain performing the work? It also considers hazards arising from these a SWMS from any contractor carrying out Those carrying out construction work are to: activities and the measures to be put in construction work before the work starts. If • prepare and develop a SWMS before the place to control the risks. there is no SWMS in place, particularly for work commences A SWMS is a tool to assist business high-risk construction work, the principal • ensure the SWMS can be practically owners, supervisors and workers to confirm contractor must make arrangements for a implemented by workers and monitor the control measures required SWMS to be prepared by the contractor. • provide a copy of the SWMS to the at a construction site or workplace. A SWMS The WHS law requires the principal principal contractor must be prepared before this work starts. contractor to include, in their WHS • carry out the work in accordance with the SWMS • review and revise the SWMS if necessary • make the SWMS available to workers engaged to undertake the work • ensure the SWMS is kept onsite, signed by the business owner and all workers using the SWMS. It is important to consult workers in the SWMS development process so they understand the detail of the SWMS and what they are required to do to implement and maintain risk controls. For help with management of your safety issues, please contact Jane Fayad, Business Safety Manager on 02 9978 3357 or email: j.fayad@hia.com.au. BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 5/2018P15