Safe Work Method Statement Procedure

Purpose. Explains when a safe work method statement is required, who prepares it, how it is reviewed and signed, and how it is used and updated on site.

1.When a SWMS is required

A safe work method statement must be prepared before any high-risk construction work starts. This includes work where a person could fall more than two metres, work on or near energised electrical services, work in or near a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, work involving asbestos, tilt-up or precast concrete, structural alterations that need temporary support, work near traffic or mobile plant and work in a confined space.

2.Preparing the SWMS

The person in control of the task prepares the SWMS on the Keystone template in consultation with the workers who will do the work. Each step of the task must be listed with its hazards, the risk rating before controls, the controls in order of the hierarchy and the person responsible. Subcontractors must supply their own SWMS which the site supervisor must review against Keystone's site conditions.

• Use template KEY-TPL-001
• Describe the task step by step in the order it will be done
• Rate each hazard using the Keystone risk matrix
• Select controls from the top of the hierarchy first
• List the plant, licences and PPE required

3.Review and sign-off

The site supervisor must review every SWMS before the task starts and must check that the controls match the site WHS management plan. Every worker doing the task must read the SWMS, or have it explained to them, and must sign it. A SWMS that has not been signed by the workers is not in force.

4.Using the SWMS on site

The signed SWMS must be kept at the work area and be available to any worker or inspector. The supervisor must check during the shift that the work is being done as the SWMS describes. If the work cannot be done as stated, the task must stop and the SWMS must be revised before work resumes.

5.Revision and records

A SWMS must be revised when the task, the site conditions or the plant change, or after an incident. Revised versions must be re-signed. Completed SWMS must be filed with the project records and kept for two years after the project ends, or longer if an incident occurred during the work.

6.Responsibilities

The WHS and Quality Manager maintains the template and audits SWMS during site audits. Site supervisors are responsible for review, sign-off and monitoring. Workers are responsible for reading, signing and following the SWMS and for reporting when it cannot be followed.