Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day everyone, it’s Gary here, and I want to talk about an important topic that affects every single person in the workforce: Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).
As you know, employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. One of the key ways they can do this is by implementing a SWMS.
A SWMS is a document that outlines the potential hazards and risks associated with a particular job or task, and the steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the workers performing that job or task. It is a crucial tool that helps to protect workers from injury, illness, and even death.
In Australia, it is a legal requirement for employers to provide a SWMS for high-risk construction work, as defined by the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011. This includes tasks such as working at heights, demolition work, and the use of explosives.
However, even if a job or task is not classified as high-risk, it is still the responsibility of the employer to identify potential hazards and risks, and to provide a SWMS to ensure the safety of their workers.
Unfortunately, there are still some employers who do not take this responsibility seriously. They either don’t provide a SWMS at all, or they provide one that is inadequate, incomplete, or out of date. This puts their workers at risk, and can lead to serious injury or even death.
This is simply unacceptable. Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy work environment, and every employer has a duty of care to provide this environment. There is no excuse for cutting corners or taking shortcuts when it comes to safety.
That’s why I’m calling on all employers to take their responsibility for SWMS seriously. Don’t just provide a document because you have to – provide one that is comprehensive, up-to-date, and tailored to the specific job or task at hand. Involve your workers in the process, and make sure they understand the risks and hazards associated with their work.
And if you’re a worker and you don’t feel safe, speak up. Your employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment, and you have the right to refuse to work if you believe that environment is unsafe.
In conclusion, Safe Work Method Statements are a crucial tool for ensuring the safety and health of workers in Australia. Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date, and tailored SWMS for every job or task, and workers have the right to a safe work environment. Let’s all work together to make sure that every worker goes home safe and healthy at the end of the day.
Cheers,
