Sick of reading 20-page SWMS? Keeping Safe Work Method Statements Simple and Practical for High-Risk Construction Work
We’ve seen it all in relation to SWMS. Too many, too detailed, not detailed enough, impractical, used for lower risk tasks not to mention legal reliance by Regulators in the case of serious incidents.
Safe Work NSW describes Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) as simple safe system planning and implementation tools, used by supervisors and workers to stay safe on construction sites when undertaking high risk construction work.
These documents should outline the hazards associated with specific tasks and detail the measures required to control those risks. However, the effectiveness of SWMS hinges on their simplicity and practicality. Overly complex or irrelevant SWMS can dilute their purpose, leading to confusion and non-compliance.
Here are 5 ways to ensure your or your contractors’ SWMS are simple and practical for high-risk construction work.
1. Focus on High-Risk Tasks
The primary purpose of a SWMS is to manage risks associated with high-risk construction work, as defined under safety regulations. Including tasks or details unrelated to high-risk activities can overwhelm workers and detract from the critical focus areas. By keeping SWMS concise and targeted, workers can quickly understand and apply the necessary safety measures to prevent accidents.
Consider other processes (i.e. safe work procedures or work instructions) for anything other than high risk construction work.
Bear in mind that one SWMS can be prepared to cover a number of high risk construction work activities, particularly where specific tasks intersect.
2. Improved Clarity and Accessibility
Simplicity ensures that SWMS are easy to understand, even for workers with varying levels of literacy or language proficiency. A clear, jargon-free document allows everyone on-site to comprehend the hazards and follow the prescribed safety procedures without confusion. When workers are consulted and involved in SWMS development, they can access and understand the SWMS easily and compliance rates naturally improve.
Safe Work Australia has an excellent interactive SWMS Guidance Tool and numerous practical and streamlined tools are available from many Regulators, including Safe Work NSW SWMS Template.
3. Encourages Active Use on Site
A practical SWMS is one that workers actively refer to, review and update throughout a project or program of work. Overly detailed or theoretical documents often end up ignored or relegated to folders and files. Alternatively, simple and action-oriented SWMS are more likely to be used as a dynamic tool during toolbox talks and site inspections, fostering a proactive risk management on site.
4. Assurance and Review
It’s one thing to document a SWMS but its implementation is a vital step. Creating processes to regularly assure yourself that the SWMS is in fact relevant and practical is critical in addition to establishing formal review points. In addition to scheduled reviews, SWMS should also be reviewed when there are changes to:
the high risk construction work process.
the site work environment, where new or unforeseen hazards and risks are evident.
the identified risk controls.
5. Legal Compliance Without Overload
While SWMS must meet regulatory requirements, excessive documentation can lead to unintentional non-compliance. Workers may overlook critical safety measures if they're buried in a sea of unnecessary information. A well-structured, practical SWMS ensures compliance while maintaining a focus on real-world application.
Tips for Developing Simple and Practical SWMS
Consult Workers: Engage with site workers and supervisors during the development process to identify key hazards and practical control measures.
Use Visuals: Incorporate diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate processes and risks clearly.
Avoid Jargon: Use plain language and avoid technical terms that may confuse workers.
Keep it Task-Specific: Tailor the SWMS to the specific high-risk tasks being performed, avoiding generic or irrelevant details.
Regularly Review: Update SWMS as work conditions or processes change to ensure ongoing relevance and practicality.
Sick of reading 20-page SWMS? If you need assistance reviewing your or your contractors’ SWMS, please get in touch with us at info@sharedsafetyandrisk.com,au.
