Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day guys, it’s Gary here and today we’re gonna talk about a topic that’s super important in the world of work – safe work method statements. Now, for those of you who don’t know, a safe work method statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines the hazards and risks associated with a particular job or task, as well as the measures that will be taken to mitigate those risks. It’s an essential tool for any workplace that wants to ensure the safety of its workers, and it’s a legal requirement in many industries. So, if you’re in charge of writing an SWMS, here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Identify the Job or Task The first step in writing an SWMS is to identify the job or task that you want to document. This could be anything from operating heavy machinery to working at heights, and everything in between. Once you’ve identified the job or task, you need to gather as much information as possible about it, including any relevant regulations, codes of practice, and company policies.
Step 2: Identify the Hazards and Risks The next step is to identify the hazards and risks associated with the job or task. This could include anything from falling objects to electrical hazards, and it’s important to be as thorough as possible. You should also consider any environmental or site-specific hazards, such as uneven terrain or extreme temperatures.
Step 3: Determine the Control Measures Once you’ve identified the hazards and risks, you need to determine the control measures that will be put in place to mitigate those risks. This could include anything from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to implementing engineering controls, such as barriers or ventilation systems. It’s important to consider all of the options available and choose the most effective control measures for each hazard or risk.
Step 4: Write the SWMS Now it’s time to write the SWMS itself. This should be a detailed document that outlines all of the information you’ve gathered so far, including the job or task, the hazards and risks, and the control measures that will be put in place. It’s important to use clear, concise language and to make sure that the document is easy to understand for anyone who will be working on the job or task.
Step 5: Consult with Workers Before finalising the SWMS, it’s important to consult with the workers who will be carrying out the job or task. They may have valuable insights or suggestions for additional control measures that should be included. This consultation process should be documented, and any feedback should be considered and incorporated into the final SWMS.
Step 6: Review and Update Regularly Finally, it’s important to review and update the SWMS regularly. This could be in response to changes in regulations or company policies, or simply as a result of new information or feedback. The SWMS should be reviewed and updated at least annually, but more frequently if there are any significant changes to the job or task.
So there you have it, guys – the six steps required to write a safe work method statement. Remember, the safety of your workers should always be your top priority, and an SWMS is a critical tool in ensuring that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. If you have any questions or need further guidance on writing an SWMS, don’t hesitate to reach out to your company’s safety officer or an external safety consultant. Until next time, stay safe out there!
Cheers,
