There requires to be more clearness around SWMS files and their usage, and we want to provide that. Whether you use them in high-risk building or somewhere else, they can be one of your most efficient and effective control steps, and when you do SWMSs well, nearly whatever else you do will tend to follow.
Let’s quickly look at the following:
What they are.
Why are they central to your WHS or OH&S system.
How they are different from a J.S.A. and S.O.P
. What must an SWMS consist of?
Who is accountable?
Using SWMSs in high-risk building.
When they’re requested elsewhere.
Some industry bundle and system solutions.
WHAT IS A SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that describes how particular workplace activities are to be carried out. The file recognizes:
The actions being satisfied.
Associated risks,
The threats they produce, and
How to manage those risks.
WHY ARE SWMS CENTRAL TO YOUR WHS SYSTEM?
There are 2 reasons that SWMS files are central to your system. First of all, in certain circumstances, they are required. Second of all, they work, effective and useful in their application.
An SWMS is needed whenever high-risk building work is performed (as specified by the WHS. Act, which we’ll explain soon). This implies the Individual Carrying out a Service or Endeavor (the PCBU) must guarantee the preparation, following, and retention of these SWMS and their routine and systematic evaluation.
SWMSs are likewise among the most reliable of all control measures. They are the most typical and influential of administrative controls. When their use becomes a work-culture centrepiece, they can powerfully enable and evidence your responsibility of care observance and due diligence compliance.
Allowing yourself a little innovative imagination, think about how you control threats as being like strapping on a bulletproof vest. Your Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are like those velcro straps that hold the vest comfortably and successfully in location.
They can be overdone. More on that soon.
HOW IS A SWMS DIFFERENT FROM A J.S.A. OR S.O.P.?
A Task Safety Analysis (J.S.A.) and a Safe Operating Treatment (S.O.P.) are more concentrated than a SWMS. They focus on separated jobs and processes. An SWMS is various because:
It is more comprehensive in its treatment of activities,
It is highly concentrated on recognizing and keeping an eye on control steps.
It can cover both specific activities as well as mix and complex activities (which most high-risk building and construction work activities are).
WHAT MUST AN SWMS INCLUDE?
Safe Work Approach Statements (SWMS) are simply one of various readily available danger control procedures. That said, they are also (probably) the centrepiece. When used efficiently, they bring structure and stability to other WHS. and OH&S activities.
Like straps on a bulletproof vest, they help other controls work and empower the individuals who utilize them. A safe work method statement does this by offering the needed info, instructions, and a method of tape-recording actions in a foreseeable and fuss-free format.
Identify the High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW) role – if it is one.
Identify dangers and unsafe work practices.
Information the very best control steps, as well as backup controls.
Describe what goes into the execution of threat management strategies.
Detail the person or business doing the work and the person responsible.
At a construction job, information the principal contractor, worksite address, the date of preparation and when supplied to the principal specialist.
List the names of employees spoken with, the dates and the signatures.
Program any evaluation date and sum up any modifications made.
SWMS threat control methods, according to the hierarchy of control, normally seek to:.
Get rid of threats (maybe by using engineering controls),.
Decrease them (for example, by creating traffic corridors),.
Administratively reduce them (e.g. by SWMS) and/or.
Suggest Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
A well-designed SWMS design template is easy to prepare, uncomplicated for appropriate workers to carry out, and will enable an effective and effective review process. That is what our SWMS design templates do.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
When a safe work technique statement is needed, the PCBU should prepare it; where there is more than one PBCU, or the work costs $250,000 or more, a Principal Contractor (PC) is appointed. This person is then responsible for collecting, evaluating, monitoring and reviewing any SWMS in place.
A PC and PCBU can hand over processes and work activities, BUT the responsibility for SWMS quality and execution stays with them.
The Principal Contractor (or PCBU where there is not a P.C.) is responsible for:.
Preparing SWMS files prior to work starts,.
Guaranteeing anybodies involved satisfy their responsibilities consistently,.
Determining and managing hazards and risks as per the document, and.
Examining and changing the SWMS for ongoing effectiveness in time (Note: workers need to be sought advice from – including specialists and subcontractors).
SAFE WORK APPROACH DECLARATIONS AND HIGH-RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK (HRCW).
Both Australia’s Work Health and wellness Regulations (2011) and the Model WHS Regulations (last updated in 2022) need utilizing SWMS files for a series of high-risk construction work activities. Specifically, Policy 291 information 19 High-Risk Classification activities and an SWMS must be prepared before any such work is undertaken.
You can follow the Policy 291 link to see the particular list, but for ease of understanding, we’ll summarise them as follows.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE CONSIDERED HIGH-RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK?
There are 19 activities categorized as high-risk construction work (HRCW), and they all include threats and dangers with significant capacity for substantial harm. For clarity, we minimize this 19-item list into five hazard groupings. They are activities that:.
It might result in falling,.
May develop due to proximity (or being close to something/someone),.
Arise from making use of a powered mobile plant, specific equipment or products,.
Prevail when dealing with particular structures and services, and.
Occur in a series of ecological specifics.
To break this down more particularly, these 5 activity groups involve the following scenarios: an SWMS is required in such situations:.
When there is a danger of a person falling more than 2 metres or falling into a trench or shaft of excavated depth greater than 1.5 m.
If somebody could drown by falling under a liquid, a structural collapse or as a result of diving work.
Where structural changes are used to prevent a collapse.
Wherever a tunnel is included.
When powered mobile plant work is being done or the plant is being moved.
If rail traffic or nearby roadway users could be damaged.
Whenever asbestos is being interrupted or removed.
If tilt-up or precast concrete work is being done.
Wherever explosives are utilized or demolition work is being carried out.
When work happens on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines, energised electrical services, pressurised gas circulation mains, piping or telecommunications towers.
If a workspace might have an infected or combustible atmosphere, artificial temperature extremes or a restricted space.
A safe work method declaration must be kept in these prescribed circumstances. The SWMS can be specific to each high-risk building work item or encompass many items in a single SWMS. The most crucial thing to bear in mind is that these threats are determined, and the threats are managed.
If you wish to see the detailed list, follow this Guideline 291 link.
WHAT IF YOU’RE REQUESTED FOR A SWMS FOR ANOTHER ACTIVITY?
It’s not uncommon for clients to specify different SWMS that exceed the legal minimums for building and construction tasks – and it doesn’t matter whether the tender procedure is open, worked out, selective or staged. These remarkable expectations can consist of requests for safe work approach declarations beyond the specified high-risk building and construction work activities. We understand from discussions with our clients that this is increasingly happening which there requires to be more clearness around the issue.
These expectations and confusion aren’t assisted by SWMS template providers that don’t tell you their additional offerings are not required or who oversell with needless SWMS documents. Both are practices we do not do.
We constantly tell our consumers that there are two kinds of compliance; what is lawfully needed and what your clients expect. Both are really real and relevant to win work!
WHEN CUSTOMERS REQUEST MORE.
They’re paying for the work, so they can stipulate whatever control measures they want. Theoretically, they can even demand a SWMS for taking a dump (and no, we’re not talking about rubbish removal).
When the marketplace needs additional SWMS or industry control determines change, we usually swiftly resolve the need. At other times we have actually assisted them use a generic SWMS template to fulfill the need.
There have also been times when we have coached our consumers on challenging the tender requirement, and often, modifications result. In some cases it is a sincere mistake by an overzealous tender writer, and when the proposed steps are politely questioned, they are withdrawn. Many do not understand the guidelines and understand there are less tiresome techniques of handling dangers to health and wellness.
Here, as constantly, we advise you talk with us. Call 1800 304 336 to delight in greater clarity and effectiveness in your purchase journey.
An SWMS is required whenever high-risk construction work is carried out (as specified by the WHS. Safe Work Approach Statements (SWMS) are just one of different available threat control measures. Like straps on a bulletproof vest, they assist other controls work and empower the people who utilize them. The SWMS can be particular to each high-risk construction work product or incorporate numerous items in a single SWMS. These amazing expectations can include demands for safe work approach statements beyond the stated high-risk building and construction work activities.
For more information, contact:Occupational Safety SolutionsLevel 3/55 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Pyrmont NSW 20091800 304 336www.occupational-safety.com.au
