Bun Divider Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Gary’s Safety Tips

Hey there everyone, it’s your safety guy Gary, and today I want to talk to you about something that is crucial for any subcontractor out there: Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

If you’re not familiar with SWMS, they are essentially documents that outline the hazards and risks associated with a particular job or task, and the steps that need to be taken to minimise or eliminate those risks. They are incredibly important because they help ensure that everyone working on a job site stays safe, and that the work is completed to the highest possible standard.

So, why are SWMS so important for subcontractors specifically? Well, as a subcontractor, you are often brought onto a job site to complete a specific task or set of tasks. This means that you may not be familiar with all of the hazards and risks associated with the site as a whole, and you may not have as much control over the work environment as you would if you were the main contractor. SWMS help to mitigate these risks and ensure that you can complete your work safely and effectively.

But here’s the thing: simply having a SWMS document isn’t enough. You need to make sure that you are actually following the steps outlined in the document, and that you are actively working to identify and address any potential hazards that may arise. This means that you need to be vigilant and proactive about safety on the job site, and that you need to be willing to speak up if you see something that doesn’t seem right.

One of the biggest challenges that subcontractors face when it comes to SWMS is that they may not have as much control over the work environment as they would like. For example, if you are brought onto a job site to complete electrical work, you may not have control over the other tradespeople who are also working on the site. This means that you need to be extra careful and make sure that you are taking all necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

So, what can you do to make sure that you are following SWMS and staying safe on the job site? Here are a few tips:

1. Read and understand the SWMS document thoroughly. This may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many people simply glance at the document and then assume that they know what to do. Take the time to read through the document carefully, and make sure that you understand all of the hazards and risks associated with your task.
2. Speak up if you see something that doesn’t seem right. As a subcontractor, you may not have as much control over the work environment as you would like, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t speak up if you see something that could potentially be dangerous. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns if you think that something isn’t quite right.
3. Take responsibility for your own safety. Ultimately, it’s up to you to ensure that you are following SWMS and staying safe on the job site. Make sure that you are taking all necessary precautions, and don’t assume that someone else will do it for you.
4. Be proactive about identifying hazards and risks. One of the best things that you can do to stay safe on the job site is to actively look for potential hazards and risks. This means being aware of your surroundings and taking note of anything that could be potentially dangerous.

In conclusion, Safe Work Method Statements are absolutely crucial for subcontractors who want to stay safe and do their job effectively. By following the steps outlined in these documents, and by taking responsibility for your own safety, you can help ensure that you and your colleagues stay safe on the job site. So, don’t take safety for granted, and make sure that you are always doing everything you can to stay safe and get the job done right.

Cheers,