Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

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 Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), also known as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) outline the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards and risks associated with these activities, and the measures to be implemented to control these risks. It also details how these control measures are to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

They assist Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), supervisors, and workers when implementing and monitoring the control measures established at the workplace to ensure high-risk construction work is carried out safely.

High-risk work activities include working at heights, near pressurised gas mains and working in areas with artificial extremes of temperature or near water.  A comprehensive list of activities can be found on the Safe Work Australia Information Sheet.

Where a SWMS is not needed, as a PCBU you are still required to manage risks to health and safety, by eliminating risks so far as is reasonably practicable. If it’s not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks, then these risks must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.