Gary’s Safety Tips 
Hey everyone, it’s your safety guy Gary, and today I want to talk about how to implement safe work method statements in your workplace. It’s a topic that may not seem glamorous, but it’s essential for keeping your team safe and productive.
First off, what exactly is a safe work method statement (SWMS)? Essentially, it’s a document that outlines the steps involved in carrying out a particular task or activity safely. It identifies the hazards associated with the task and the control measures that will be put in place to mitigate those hazards. In short, it’s a plan for getting the job done safely.
So, how do you implement SWMS in your workplace? Let me break it down into a few key steps.
Step 1: Identify the tasks that require a SWMS
The first step is to identify the tasks in your workplace that require a SWMS. This will typically include high-risk tasks such as working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and working with hazardous chemicals. Your workplace health and safety regulator can provide guidance on which tasks require a SWMS.
Step 2: Create your SWMS
Once you’ve identified the tasks that require a SWMS, the next step is to create the document. There are plenty of templates available online that you can use as a starting point. Make sure you include the following information:
- The task or activity being performed
- The hazards associated with the task
- The control measures that will be put in place to mitigate those hazards
- The people responsible for carrying out the task and implementing the control measures
- Any additional requirements such as personal protective equipment (PPE) or training
Step 3: Communicate the SWMS to your team
Once you’ve created your SWMS, the next step is to communicate it to your team. This could involve a training session where you go through the SWMS in detail, or simply distributing the document and ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities.
Step 4: Implement the SWMS
The final step is to implement the SWMS. This involves ensuring that the control measures outlined in the SWMS are actually put in place and adhered to. It’s important to monitor the implementation of the SWMS and make adjustments if necessary.
So, why bother with SWMS in the first place? Well, there are a few key benefits:
- Keeping your team safe: The most important benefit of SWMS is that they help to keep your team safe. By identifying hazards and implementing control measures, you can minimise the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
- Meeting your legal obligations: In many jurisdictions, employers are required by law to have SWMS in place for certain tasks. By implementing SWMS, you can ensure that you’re meeting your legal obligations and avoid potential fines and penalties.
- Improving productivity: When your team knows exactly what they need to do to complete a task safely, they can focus on getting the job done rather than worrying about potential hazards. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
So, there you have it, folks. Implementing safe work method statements in your workplace may not be the most exciting topic, but it’s an essential part of keeping your team safe and productive. Remember to identify the tasks that require a SWMS, create the document, communicate it to your team, and implement the SWMS in your workplace. Stay safe out there, and catch you on the flip side.
Cheers,
