Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day everyone, it’s Gary here, and today we’re going to talk about something that’s incredibly important when it comes to workplace safety: Safe Work Method Statements, or SWMS for short.
Now, I know that for many of you, SWMS might seem like a bit of a chore. It’s yet another form to fill out, yet another box to tick. But the truth is, SWMS are absolutely essential when it comes to keeping your workplace safe.
So, what exactly is a SWMS? Well, in a nutshell, it’s a document that outlines the steps that need to be taken to complete a particular task safely. It identifies the hazards involved in the task, assesses the risks associated with those hazards, and then lays out the controls that need to be put in place to mitigate those risks.
The purpose of a SWMS is to ensure that everyone involved in a particular task understands the risks involved and knows exactly what they need to do to work safely. It’s a way of making sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to workplace safety.
Now, I know that putting together a SWMS can be a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. But trust me, it’s not as hard as it seems. Here are a few tips to help you compile a SWMS that’s both effective and easy to understand:
- Identify the hazards
The first step in putting together a SWMS is to identify all of the hazards associated with the task at hand. This might include things like working at height, working with hazardous chemicals, or operating machinery. Make a list of all the hazards you can think of, and then brainstorm with your team to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
- Assess the risks
Once you’ve identified the hazards, you need to assess the risks associated with each one. This involves looking at how likely it is that the hazard will cause harm, and how severe that harm could be. Use a risk matrix to help you assess the risks, and make sure you involve your team in the process.
- Identify the controls
Once you’ve assessed the risks, you need to identify the controls that need to be put in place to mitigate those risks. This might include things like providing personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing safe work procedures, or conducting training. Make a list of all the controls you need to put in place, and make sure you allocate responsibilities for each control.
- Write it down
Once you’ve identified the hazards, assessed the risks, and identified the controls, it’s time to put it all down on paper. Make sure your SWMS is easy to read and understand, and use simple language wherever possible. Make sure you include all the necessary information, such as the task being performed, the location of the task, and the date the SWMS was prepared.
- Communicate it to your team
Finally, it’s important to communicate your SWMS to your team. Make sure everyone involved in the task understands the risks involved and knows exactly what they need to do to work safely. Provide training if necessary, and make sure everyone signs off on the SWMS before work begins.
In conclusion, putting together a SWMS might seem like a bit of a chore, but it’s absolutely essential when it comes to workplace safety. By following these tips, you can compile a SWMS that’s effective, easy to understand, and most importantly, keeps everyone safe. So, next time you’re faced with the task of putting together a SWMS, don’t be daunted – embrace it as an opportunity to keep your workplace safe and secure.
Cheers,
