Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day, it’s your mate Gary and today I wanna talk about something that’s bloody important for every workplace: communication of changes to the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) to relevant personnel.
As you may already know, a SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities, hazards and the control measures needed to be put in place to ensure that the work is carried out safely. This document is a legal requirement in Australia and is an essential part of any construction project.
However, the construction industry is constantly evolving, and changes can happen at any time during a project. It is therefore essential that these changes are communicated effectively to all relevant personnel to ensure that the project is completed safely and without incident.
So, how do we communicate these changes effectively?
Firstly, it’s important to make sure that all personnel are aware of the SWMS and its contents from the outset. This can be achieved through training and induction programs, which should include information about the SWMS and how it will be updated throughout the project.
When changes are made to the SWMS, it’s essential to communicate these changes as quickly and effectively as possible. One effective way to do this is through toolbox talks. These talks are short, informal meetings that are held at the beginning of a work shift to discuss any changes or issues that may affect the day’s work.
During these talks, it’s important to clearly outline the changes that have been made to the SWMS and explain why they are necessary. This helps to ensure that everyone understands the reasons for the changes and why they are important.
Another effective way to communicate changes to the SWMS is through signage. For example, if a new hazard has been identified on the construction site, signage can be used to alert all personnel to the hazard and to explain the control measures that have been put in place.
Email is also a useful tool for communicating changes to the SWMS, particularly for larger projects where there are many personnel involved. Emails should be clear and concise, outlining the changes that have been made and why they are necessary. It’s also important to ensure that emails are sent to all relevant personnel and that they are acknowledged to confirm receipt.
In addition to these methods, it’s also important to encourage open communication between all personnel. This can be achieved through regular safety meetings and by encouraging personnel to report any safety concerns or issues that they may have. This helps to ensure that everyone is aware of potential hazards and that changes to the SWMS can be communicated effectively and in a timely manner.
In conclusion, communication of changes to the Safe Work Method Statement to relevant personnel is essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved in a construction project. There are many effective ways to communicate these changes, including toolbox talks, signage, email and open communication between all personnel.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority on any construction site, and effective communication is key to ensuring that everyone is aware of potential hazards and that the necessary control measures are in place to mitigate these hazards.
Cheers,
