Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day, everyone! Today we’re going to talk about a crucial aspect of workplace safety: the Safe Work Method Statement, or SWMS for short. But more specifically, we’re going to talk about the time it takes to complete a SWMS.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “Gary, why do we even need a SWMS in the first place? Can’t we just get to work and be done with it?” And to that, I say: Sure, you could do that, but do you really want to risk the safety of yourself and your colleagues? I didn’t think so.
The truth is, a SWMS is a vital document that helps identify and control hazards in the workplace. It outlines the steps that need to be taken to complete a task safely and ensures that everyone involved in the work understands the risks involved and the control measures that need to be put in place.
But let’s get back to the question at hand: How long does it take to complete a SWMS? Well, there’s no easy answer to that, because it depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- The complexity of the task
The more complex the task, the more time it will take to complete the SWMS. A simple task like cleaning the office kitchen might only take a few minutes to complete a SWMS for, whereas a more complicated task like working at heights or operating heavy machinery will take much longer.
- The level of risk
Tasks that involve a higher level of risk will require more time to complete a SWMS. This is because more control measures will need to be put in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- The experience of the person completing the SWMS
Someone who has completed many SWMSs in the past will likely be able to complete one more quickly than someone who is doing it for the first time. This is because they will be more familiar with the process and the information that needs to be included.
- The tools and resources available
Having the right tools and resources available can make a big difference in the time it takes to complete a SWMS. For example, if you have access to a SWMS template or software that automates the process, you can save a lot of time.
So, as you can see, there are a lot of factors that come into play when determining how long it will take to complete a SWMS. But regardless of how long it takes, the important thing is that it gets done properly.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking: “But Gary, I don’t have time to complete a SWMS! I’ve got work to do!” And to that, I say: You don’t have time not to complete a SWMS. Taking the time to complete a SWMS is an investment in the safety of yourself and your colleagues. It’s an investment in the success of your business.
Think about it: If someone gets injured on the job because a SWMS wasn’t completed properly, that’s going to cost your business a lot more than the time it takes to complete a SWMS. It could result in lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and even legal action. Is that really a risk you want to take?
So, how can you make the process of completing a SWMS more efficient? Here are a few tips:
- Use a template
As I mentioned earlier, using a SWMS template can save you a lot of time. There are plenty of templates available online that you can use as a starting point.
- Involve your team
Get everyone involved in the task to contribute to the SWMS. Not only will this save you time, but it will also ensure that everyone understands the risks involved and the control measures that need to be put in place. This will also help to build a culture of safety in your workplace, where everyone takes ownership of their own safety and the safety of their colleagues.
- Don’t rush the process
While it’s important to be efficient, you don’t want to rush the process of completing a SWMS. Take the time to identify all the hazards and risks associated with the task and ensure that all control measures are included.
- Review and update regularly
Completing a SWMS isn’t a one-time task. It needs to be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. This will also help to identify any new hazards or risks that may have emerged since the last SWMS was completed.
In conclusion, the time it takes to complete a Safe Work Method Statement depends on a range of factors, including the complexity of the task, the level of risk, the experience of the person completing the SWMS, and the tools and resources available. However, regardless of how long it takes, completing a SWMS is an investment in the safety and success of your business. By using templates, involving your team, taking the time to identify all hazards and risks, and regularly reviewing and updating your SWMS, you can ensure that your workplace is as safe as possible. So, take the time to complete your SWMS properly and make safety a priority in your workplace.
Cheers,
