Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day there, it’s great to be here to talk about one of the most important aspects of workplace safety: auditing and monitoring the performance of the SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) to ensure compliance. Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Gary, this sounds boring and tedious.” But trust me, nothing could be further from the truth.
First things first, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. The SWMS is a document that outlines the hazards associated with a particular task or activity and provides a step-by-step guide to carrying out that task safely. It’s an essential tool for any workplace that takes safety seriously, and it’s required by law in many industries.
Now, auditing and monitoring the performance of the SWMS is all about making sure that the document is actually being put into practice on the ground. It’s one thing to have a beautifully written SWMS sitting in a folder somewhere, but it’s another thing entirely to ensure that the people doing the work are actually following it.
So, how do we do this? Well, there are a few different approaches, but the key is to be systematic and consistent in your approach. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Conduct regular site inspections: One of the most effective ways to ensure compliance with the SWMS is to conduct regular site inspections. This involves physically visiting the site where the work is taking place and observing the workers in action. You’ll want to look for any hazards that may have been missed in the SWMS, as well as making sure that the workers are following the steps outlined in the document.
- Provide training and support: It’s not enough to simply tell workers to follow the SWMS. They need to understand why it’s important and how to put it into practice. Providing regular training and support is essential to ensuring compliance. This can include toolbox talks, one-on-one coaching, and refresher courses.
- Use technology to your advantage: There are a variety of tools available today that can help you monitor compliance with the SWMS. This can include things like digital checklists, automated reporting, and real-time tracking of worker activity. By leveraging these tools, you can get a more accurate picture of how well the SWMS is being followed.
- Hold people accountable: At the end of the day, compliance with the SWMS is everyone’s responsibility. But that doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be consequences for failing to follow the guidelines. Make sure that there are clear consequences in place for non-compliance, and be consistent in enforcing them.
- Continuously improve: Finally, it’s important to recognise that the SWMS is not a static document. Hazards can change, workers can come and go, and new technologies and processes may emerge. As such, it’s important to continuously review and update the SWMS to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
Now, I know that all of this can seem like a lot of work. But the reality is that investing the time and effort into auditing and monitoring the performance of the SWMS is absolutely essential for workplace safety. Not only will it help prevent accidents and injuries, but it will also help you avoid costly fines and legal action.
So, if you’re not already doing so, I strongly encourage you to make auditing and monitoring the performance of the SWMS a priority in your workplace. And remember, it’s not just about ticking boxes and meeting legal requirements. It’s about ensuring that every worker goes home safe and healthy at the end of the day.
Cheers,
