Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day everyone,
Today I want to talk about the importance of implementing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) into your organisation. As a business owner or manager, it is crucial to ensure the safety of your employees while they are on the job.
SWMS is a legal document that outlines the high-risk activities that are carried out on the worksite and identifies the hazards and risks associated with these activities. It is a vital tool in ensuring the safety of employees and mitigating risks that could lead to workplace accidents or injuries.
To implement SWMS into your organisation, you need to follow a few steps:
Step 1: Identify the high-risk activities
The first step is to identify the high-risk activities that are carried out on your worksite. This could include tasks such as working at heights, working with heavy machinery, or handling hazardous materials.
Step 2: Assess the hazards and risks associated with the activities
Once you have identified the high-risk activities, you need to assess the hazards and risks associated with these activities. This involves looking at what could go wrong, how likely it is to happen, and the potential consequences.
Step 3: Develop a SWMS
Based on the assessment of hazards and risks, you can now develop a SWMS for each high-risk activity. This document should outline the steps that need to be taken to carry out the activity safely, including the equipment that should be used, the personal protective equipment (PPE) that needs to be worn, and any other precautions that need to be taken.
Step 4: Train your employees
Once you have developed the SWMS, it is crucial to train your employees on how to use it effectively. This includes ensuring that they understand the risks associated with the high-risk activities, the steps that need to be taken to carry out the activity safely, and how to use the PPE and other equipment correctly.
Step 5: Review and update the SWMS regularly
Finally, it is important to review and update the SWMS regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date. This could involve reviewing the SWMS after an incident or near-miss, or after changes have been made to the worksite or equipment.
Implementing SWMS into your organisation has numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of workplace accidents and injuries
By identifying and mitigating the risks associated with high-risk activities, you can reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents and injuries. This not only helps to keep your employees safe but can also save your organisation money in terms of lost productivity, workers’ compensation claims, and legal fees.
- Increased compliance with legal requirements
SWMS is a legal requirement in many industries, including construction, mining, and manufacturing. By implementing SWMS into your organisation, you can ensure that you are complying with the relevant legislation and avoiding potential fines or legal action.
- Improved productivity
When employees feel safe and confident in carrying out their tasks, they are more productive. By implementing SWMS into your organisation, you can improve productivity by reducing the time and resources required to address workplace accidents or injuries.
In conclusion, implementing SWMS into your organisation is crucial to ensure the safety of your employees and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. By following the steps outlined above, you can develop effective SWMS for high-risk activities, train your employees to use them correctly, and regularly review and update them to remain relevant and up-to-date.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority in any organisation. By implementing SWMS, you are taking a proactive approach to risk management and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your employees.
Cheers,
