SWMS for high risk construction work, explained
When a safe work method statement (SWMS) is legally required, the 18 types of high risk construction work, what a SWMS must contain, who gets a copy and how long to keep it.
A safe work method statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out high risk construction work activities, the hazards they create, and how the risks will be controlled. It isn't required for all construction work. It's required for work that falls into one of the categories of high risk construction work in the WHS regulations. This guide uses the Queensland regulation and WorkSafe Queensland's guidance. The other model-WHS-law states use the same list, but check your own regulator.
The 18 types of high risk construction work
Section 291 of the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 defines high risk construction work as construction work that:
- involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 m
- is carried out on a telecommunication tower
- involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to its physical integrity
- involves, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos
- involves structural alterations or repairs that need temporary support to prevent collapse
- is carried out in or near a confined space
- is carried out in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m, or a tunnel
- involves the use of explosives
- is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
- is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
- is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services
- is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
- involves tilt-up or precast concrete
- is carried out on, in or next to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians
- is carried out where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
- is carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature
- is carried out in or near water or other liquid with a risk of drowning
- involves diving work.
For fabricators and steel erectors, the common triggers are working above 2 m, mobile plant (cranes, EWPs, forklifts) moving in the area, and work near live electrical services.
Who has to prepare it
The business (PCBU) carrying out the high risk construction work must make sure a SWMS is prepared before the work starts, or that one has already been prepared by someone else. WorkSafe Queensland says the PCBU, in consultation with the workers doing the job, is best placed to write it. If two contractors are doing different high risk work in the same area, for example one working above 2 m and another running a crane, each needs a SWMS for their work. They can share one document or use separate ones, but they have to coordinate so the controls don't conflict.
What a SWMS must contain
Under section 299 of the regulation, a SWMS must:
- identify the work that is high risk construction work
- state the hazards and the risks to health and safety from those hazards
- describe the control measures
- describe how the controls will be put in place, monitored and reviewed.
It must take into account the conditions at the workplace and, on a construction project, the principal contractor's WHS management plan. It has to be readily accessible and understandable to the people who use it. If the work involves a fall risk of more than 2 m and the only controls are administrative ones or PPE, the SWMS must describe all the control measures that were considered.
WorkSafe Queensland says a SWMS should also include the PCBU's name, address and ABN; who is responsible for implementing and monitoring it; and on a construction project, the principal contractor's name, the site address, the date it was prepared and given to the principal contractor, and any review date.
Write controls people can actually follow
WorkSafe's guidance is blunt. A SWMS shouldn't leave decisions to the worker. "Use appropriate PPE" isn't a control measure. Say which PPE, for which step. Break the job into logical steps, list the hazards for each step, and give a specific control for each one.
Giving it to the principal contractor
A copy of the SWMS must go to the principal contractor before the high risk work starts, and the principal contractor must not let the work start until they have it.
If work doesn't follow the SWMS
If the work isn't being done in line with the SWMS, it must stop immediately or as soon as it's safe, and only resume when it can be done in line with the SWMS. Review the SWMS too. If there's a safer method, revise the document before restarting.
Generic SWMS, reviews and keeping it
- A generic SWMS can be used for regular work, but it must be reviewed and revised for each new job and workplace.
- Review it when control measures change, and tell everyone involved about any revision.
- Keep it until the high risk construction work is finished. If a notifiable incident happens, keep it for at least 2 years after the incident.
- Workers don't each need a copy, but they must understand the hazards and controls. Toolbox talks and inductions are a good place to go through it.
Sources
- WorkSafe Queensland – Safe work method statements
- Queensland legislation – Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (current)
- Safe Work Australia – High risk construction work requiring a SWMS
Related guides
- Site induction checklist for construction sites
- Toolbox talk topics for trades and fabrication
- White Card in Queensland: what you need to know
General information only, summarised from the official sources above as at the review date. It isn't legal, tax, WHS or engineering advice. Rules change and your situation may differ, so check the source or ask a professional.