Gary’s Safety Tips 
G’day, it’s your favourite entrepreneur, Gary. Today, we’re gonna talk about something that may not be the sexiest topic, but it’s incredibly important – Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). If you’re in the business of construction, manufacturing, or any other industry where safety is a concern, then you know the value of SWMS. It’s a document that outlines the hazards and risks associated with a particular task or job, and the steps that need to be taken to mitigate those risks. But, like with anything else in life, there are some common issues that you need to look out for when it comes to SWMS. So, let’s dive right into it.
First and foremost, the most common issue that you’ll come across when it comes to SWMS is that they’re not specific enough. A lot of companies make the mistake of creating a generic SWMS that covers a broad range of tasks or jobs, and that’s just not good enough. If your SWMS isn’t specific to the task at hand, then it’s not going to be effective. So, make sure that you’re creating a SWMS that is tailored to the specific task or job that you’re working on. It should outline the hazards and risks associated with that particular task, and the steps that need to be taken to mitigate those risks.
The second common issue with SWMS is that they’re not updated regularly. Safety risks and hazards can change over time, so it’s important to make sure that your SWMS is up-to-date. If you’re using an old SWMS that hasn’t been updated in years, then you’re not going to be adequately prepared for the current safety risks and hazards that you’re facing. So, make sure that you’re reviewing and updating your SWMS on a regular basis.
The third common issue with SWMS is that they’re not communicated effectively. Your SWMS is only going to be effective if everyone who needs to know about it is aware of it. That means that you need to make sure that you’re communicating your SWMS effectively to your team. Don’t assume that everyone knows about it – make sure that you’re actively communicating it and reinforcing it on a regular basis. This could be through training sessions, toolbox talks, or even posters around the workplace. The key is to make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety.
The fourth common issue with SWMS is that they’re not reviewed by the right people. It’s not enough to just create a SWMS and forget about it. You need to make sure that it’s being reviewed by the right people. This could be your safety officer, your supervisor, or even an external consultant. The key is to make sure that someone is reviewing your SWMS and providing feedback on how it can be improved. This will help to ensure that your SWMS is as effective as possible.
The fifth common issue with SWMS is that they’re not being followed. This is perhaps the most critical issue of all. If your team isn’t following your SWMS, then it’s not going to be effective. This could be due to a lack of training, a lack of understanding, or even a lack of commitment to safety. Whatever the reason, it’s important to address it and make sure that your team is following your SWMS at all times.
So, there ya have it – the five common issues to look out for in Safe Work Method Statements. Remember, safety should always be your top priority, and SWMS is just one tool that ya can use to help keep your team safe. Make sure that you’re creating specific, up-to-date, and well-communicated SWMS.
Cheers,
