A SWMS template outlines how to perform a job or task safely using a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). Across Australia, a SWMS is a legal requirement before any work is undertaken on construction sites, mines, and other hazardous workplaces.
It’s so important to get the SWMS right – following best practice when drafting the SWMS and enforcing it on the jobsite is crucial to ensuring your people’s safety.
Documentation guidelines for SWMS
Hazard identification
SWMS documents must first identify the job-related hazards before they can be created. Any element that could cause harm can be a hazard, including machinery, chemicals, and even the environment in which the work will be conducted. You can eliminate or minimize risks associated with hazards by identifying them and putting control measures in place.
Analyze the risks
The next step is to evaluate the risks associated with each of the hazards you have identified for the job. The goal of risk assessment is to determine the likelihood and severity of harm that might result from not controlling the hazard. Prioritizing control measures is extremely important because it helps you put them in place in a timely manner.
Measures of control should be developed
To develop control measures for the job, you must first evaluate the risks associated with it. To minimize or eliminate the risks associated with a job, control measures are taken. Work environments can be modified and personal protective equipment (PPE) used as control measures.
Ensure that you communicate and consult
SWMS documents need to be communicated to everyone involved in the project, including workers, contractors, and supervisors. All workers need to be aware of the risks involved in their jobs and how they can be minimized or eliminated through effective communication. As part of the SWMS development process, workers and other stakeholders should also be consulted. When developing control measures, consultation ensures that everyone’s views and experiences are taken into consideration.
A review and update are required
In order to remain relevant and effective, it is important to review and update SWMS documents on a regular basis. A review should be conducted whenever work conditions or legislation change, or if industry standards or legislation change. In order to reduce accidents and incidents, it is important to consistently update the SWMS document.
A checklist of do’s and don’ts when it comes to SWMS documentation
Do not rush the process.
Time and effort are required to create a SWMS document. It is possible to rush the process and end up with a document that does not adequately identify the hazards or control the associated risks. The SWMS document is more effective if hazards and risks are identified, evaluated, and control measures are developed.
Templates That Aren’t Right
It’s true that there are many SWMS Template options out there, but they’re not all the same. It is possible to overlook critical details in the wrong SWMS template, or the template may not be flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs of each work site. With NECA SWMS template, you can always trust you will get the necessary level of detail and coverage, since they were written by attorneys with many years of experience.
Input from workers should be ignored
When developing SWMS documents, ignoring worker input can lead to ineffective documents that ignore worker views and experiences. In order for the SWMS document to be practical and effective, workers need to be consulted during the development process, so they can understand their role in controlling the risks.
Documents that are overly complicated
It is necessary to keep SWMS documents concise and clear and not to over complicate them with technical jargon or unnecessary details. When the document is overly complex, workers may find it difficult to comprehend the hazards involved in the job and the measures taken to eliminate or minimize those risks. The hazards and control measures should be described in plain language and in a concise way.
Ignore reviewing and updating
Unless the SWMS document is reviewed and updated regularly, it may lead to an ineffective document, which does not adequately identify hazards or control risks. In order for the SWMS document to remain relevant and effective, it needs to be reviewed and updated regularly.
Let’s get started with SWMS documents
You can create an effective SWMS by following these do’s and don’ts, which help to ensure worker safety and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and incidents. Having trouble figuring out how to use SWMS template and documents? For more information, contact NECA’s experts. You can count on us to guide you through the process, based on your unique business requirements.
