Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day, mates! Today we’re gonna talk about a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: safety in the workplace. And specifically, how to write a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Gary, why do I need to write a SWMS? That sounds like a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy.” But let me tell you, taking the time to write a proper SWMS can literally save lives.
So, let’s get into it. The first step in writing a SWMS is to identify the hazards associated with the task or job you’re planning to do. This might include things like working at heights, working with hazardous materials, or operating heavy machinery. You need to think about all the things that could go wrong and the potential risks to yourself and others.
Once you’ve identified the hazards, the next step is to assess the risks. This means thinking about how likely it is that someone will be hurt or injured if something goes wrong, and how severe that injury could be. You also need to think about who might be affected by the risk, such as other workers or members of the public.
Now that you’ve identified the hazards and assessed the risks, it’s time to develop your control measures. This is where you come up with ways to eliminate or minimise the risks identified in step two. Control measures might include things like using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing safe work procedures, or using engineering controls like barriers or guards.
Once you’ve developed your control measures, you need to write them down in your SWMS. This is where you detail exactly what steps you’re going to take to ensure the task is completed safely. Your SWMS should be clear and easy to understand, and should include details about the task, the hazards and risks, and the control measures you’ve put in place.
Now, before you start the task, you need to make sure everyone involved in the work understands the SWMS and knows how to implement the control measures. This means providing training and instruction to all workers and ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out the task safely.
Finally, it’s important to regularly review and update your SWMS. This means going back and checking that your control measures are still effective, and making changes if necessary. You should also review your SWMS if there are any changes to the task or if new hazards are identified.
So there you have it, folks. The steps required to write a Safe Work Method Statement. Remember, taking the time to write a proper SWMS can literally save lives. It might seem like a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy, but it’s a small price to pay for the safety of yourself and others.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Gary, this all sounds great, but where do I start?” Well, the good news is that there are plenty of resources out there to help you write a SWMS. The Australian government’s Safe Work Australia website is a great place to start, as it provides detailed information on the steps involved in writing a SWMS, as well as templates and examples.
And if you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your employer or supervisor should be able to provide you with guidance and support, and there are plenty of safety professionals and consultants out there who can help you develop a comprehensive SWMS.
So, in conclusion, writing a Safe Work Method Statement is an important step in ensuring the safety of yourself and others in the workplace. By identifying hazards, assessing risks, developing control measures, and regularly reviewing and updating your SWMS, you can help prevent accidents and injuries on the job. So don’t be afraid to take the time to write a proper SWMS.
Cheers,
