Gary’s Safety Tips 
Hello, everybody! It’s your safety guy, Gary, and today we’re talking about work safety. One of the questions that I get asked a lot is, “When do I need a Safe Work Method Statement?” Well, I’m here to break it down for you in typical Gary fashion.
First of all, let’s talk about what a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is. A SWMS is a document that outlines the risks associated with a particular task or activity, as well as the steps that will be taken to mitigate those risks. It’s a way for companies to ensure that their workers are aware of the dangers of their job and are taking appropriate precautions to stay safe.
So, when do you need a SWMS? The short answer is that you need one whenever you are undertaking a task or activity that involves a risk of injury or harm to yourself or others. This could be anything from working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or using hazardous substances.
In fact, there are certain tasks and activities that are considered high risk by law, and a SWMS is required for these tasks. These tasks include, but are not limited to, working at heights above two meters, working with asbestos, and operating cranes or other high-risk machinery.
But even if a task or activity is not considered high risk by law, it’s still important to consider whether a SWMS is necessary. Any task that involves a risk of injury or harm to yourself or others should be assessed to determine whether a SWMS is required.
So, how do you know if a task or activity involves a risk of injury or harm? Well, the first step is to assess the task or activity itself. Consider what steps are involved, what tools or equipment will be used, and what hazards are present.
Once you have assessed the task or activity, the next step is to consider the people who will be undertaking the task. Are they trained and competent to do the job? Do they have the necessary skills and experience to work safely? Will they be working alone or as part of a team?
If the task or activity involves a risk of injury or harm, and the people undertaking the task are not trained and competent to do the job, then a SWMS is definitely necessary. It’s important to remember that the purpose of a SWMS is not only to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with their job, but also to ensure that they are taking appropriate precautions to stay safe.
So, in summary, you need a Safe Work Method Statement whenever you are undertaking a task or activity that involves a risk of injury or harm to yourself or others. This could be anything from working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or using hazardous substances. Even if a task is not considered high risk by law, it’s still important to assess the task and consider whether a SWMS is necessary.
The bottom line is that safety should always be a top priority in the workplace. By taking the time to assess tasks and activities and develop a SWMS when necessary, companies can ensure that their workers are aware of the risks associated with their job and are taking appropriate precautions to stay safe.
So, there you have it, folks. The importance of a Safe Work Method Statement cannot be overstated when it comes to work safety. Remember to always prioritise safety in the workplace. Until next time, this is Gary signing off.
Cheers,
