Product Overview

This Crowd Control and High Risk Security Operations SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify, control, and minimise risks associated with security and crowd management activities in Australian workplaces. It provides end-to-end guidance for high risk security operations, covering multiple aspects of crowd control, conflict management, robbery response, and incident escalation to support strong WHS compliance.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Managing and de-escalating violent or aggressive passengers, patrons, or members of the public
• Planning and conducting forced evictions from venues, vehicles, or premises in a controlled and lawful manner
• Nightclub and licensed venue security, including entry screening, refusals, and patron ejections
• Safely opening windows, doors, or access points forcefully while minimising damage and personal injury
• Security response procedures to piracy threats in maritime or transport environments
• Identifying, assessing, and managing the risk of violence, robbery, and armed confrontation
• Implementing safe robbery procedures, including duress activation, cash handling, and staff protection
• Use of communication systems (radios, phones, duress alarms) for coordinated security responses
• Coordination with police and emergency services during critical incidents and evacuations
• Safe positioning, situational awareness, and escape routes for guards and crowd controllers
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) use for security personnel, including body armour where applicable
• Incident reporting, evidence preservation, and post-incident review to improve future risk controls
• Fatigue management, lone work controls, and supervision for security staff on extended or night shifts

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for security guards, crowd controllers, nightclub and licensed venue security, transport and maritime security teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing high risk security operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Security Industry Codes of Practice (State/Territory specific): Guidance on conduct, use of force, and operational standards for licensed security personnel
• Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence and Aggression in Health and Community Care (Safe Work Australia Guidance): Applied principles for preventing and managing violent or aggressive behaviour
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Systematic risk management process for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, and amenities in venues and public areas
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Provision of first aid resources and response arrangements following violent incidents
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying: Relevant principles for managing aggressive and threatening behaviours