Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day everyone! It’s your mate Gary here with few safety tips. Today, we’re gonna have a chat about the importance of auditing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) in your workplace.
First things first, let’s talk about what a SWMS actually is. It’s basically a document that outlines the specific steps that need to be taken to complete a task safely. It’s a critical piece of documentation that ensures everyone on the job site knows what they need to do to stay safe.
Now, you might be thinking, “Gary, why do I need to audit my SWMS? Can’t we just create it once and forget about it?” Well, my friend, that’s where you’re wrong. Auditing your SWMS is critical to ensure that the document is up-to-date and accurate. Things can change on a job site, and you need to make sure that your SWMS is reflective of those changes.
When you audit your SWMS, you’re essentially checking to make sure that it’s still applicable to the task at hand. You want to make sure that the document is accurate and that all the hazards and risks associated with the job are still relevant. By doing so, you’re ensuring that your workers are operating in a safe environment and that they know exactly what they need to do to complete their tasks safely.
Now, let’s talk about how to audit your SWMS. The first step is to review the document thoroughly. You want to make sure that all the steps and procedures outlined in the SWMS are still accurate and up-to-date. You also want to ensure that all the hazards and risks associated with the job are still relevant and have been properly addressed in the document.
Next, you need to ensure that your workers are actually following the SWMS. You can do this by observing them on the job site and comparing their actions to what’s outlined in the SWMS. If there are any discrepancies, you need to address them immediately and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Another important aspect of auditing your SWMS is to ensure that your workers have actually read and understand the document. You can do this by quizzing them on the content of the SWMS or having them sign a document acknowledging that they have read and understand the SWMS.
Now, some of you might be thinking, “Gary, this sounds like a lot of work. Why should I bother auditing my SWMS?” Well, my friend, let me tell you why. First and foremost, auditing your SWMS is critical to ensuring the safety of your workers. It ensures that everyone on the job site knows exactly what they need to do to complete their tasks safely. In the event of an accident, having an up-to-date SWMS can also help protect your business from liability.
But auditing your SWMS isn’t just about safety and liability. It’s also about efficiency. By ensuring that your workers are following the SWMS, you’re ensuring that they’re completing their tasks in the most efficient way possible. This can save you time and money in the long run and make your business more profitable.
In conclusion, auditing your SWMS is critical to ensuring the safety of your workers and the success of your business. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth the effort. By reviewing and updating your SWMS regularly, you’re ensuring that your workers are operating in a safe environment and completing their tasks efficiently. So, take the time to audit your SWMS, and you’ll see the benefits in no time. Thanks for tuning in!
Cheers,
