Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day everyone,
Today, we’re going to talk about an incredibly important topic: Supervisor Responsibility for Implementing a Safe Work Method Statement.
As a supervisor, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of your team. This means that it’s up to you to implement and enforce safe work practices, including the use of a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
An SWMS is a document that outlines the potential hazards and risks associated with a particular job or task, as well as the steps that need to be taken to minimise those risks. It’s a vital tool in keeping your team safe, and it’s your responsibility as a supervisor to ensure that it’s being used effectively.
So, what does this responsibility entail? Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Understand the SWMS
As a supervisor, you need to be intimately familiar with the SWMS for each job or task that your team is working on. This means taking the time to read and understand the document, and ensuring that your team members are also aware of its contents.
You should be able to identify the potential hazards and risks associated with the job, and understand the steps that need to be taken to mitigate those risks. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the SWMS, it’s your responsibility to seek clarification from your manager or the person who developed the document.
- Communicate the SWMS
It’s not enough to simply understand the SWMS yourself – you also need to communicate its contents effectively to your team. This means explaining the potential hazards and risks associated with the job, as well as the steps that need to be taken to minimise those risks.
You should also ensure that your team members have access to the SWMS, and that they understand how to use it. This might involve providing training or guidance on how to interpret the document, or simply making sure that it’s easily accessible on site.
- Monitor compliance
Implementing an SWMS is only effective if your team members are actually following it. As a supervisor, it’s your responsibility to monitor compliance with the document and take action if necessary.
This might involve observing your team members as they work, or checking in with them regularly to ensure that they’re following the SWMS correctly. If you notice any issues or deviations from the document, it’s up to you to address them immediately.
- Respond to incidents
Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen on site. If an incident does occur, it’s important to respond quickly and appropriately to minimise the risk of further harm.
As a supervisor, you should be familiar with the emergency procedures outlined in the SWMS, and ensure that your team members know what to do in the event of an incident. You should also document any incidents that occur and use this information to improve the SWMS for future jobs.
In conclusion, implementing and enforcing an SWMS is a crucial part of your role as a supervisor. It’s your responsibility to understand the document, communicate its contents to your team, monitor compliance, and respond to incidents effectively.
By taking this responsibility seriously, you can help to create a safer working environment for your team and minimise the risk of harm or injury on site.
Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time.
Cheers,
