Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) details the step-by-step controls for safe site establishment signage and safety setup, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and effectively managed before works commence. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of WHS compliance, including utilities, access control, lighting, hygiene, and critical safety signage for construction and civil sites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Establishing site perimeters, fencing, and barriers to clearly define work zones and protect the public
• Implementing restricted access zones around high-risk areas, plant movements, and hazardous operations
• Setting up temporary site protection such as hoardings, edge protection, and exclusion zones
• Ensuring safety signage visibility, placement, and maintenance for mandatory, warning, and directional signs
• Applying and maintaining reflective tape on barriers, vehicles, and structures to enhance visibility in low light
• Adhering safety labels and hazard warnings to equipment, utilities, and restricted areas in line with WHS requirements
• Managing work during daylight hours to maximise visibility and reduce risks associated with poor lighting
• Assessing and controlling risks associated with inadequate lighting conditions and implementing temporary lighting where required
• Managing interactions with electric, gas, and water utilities during installation, relocation, or isolation activities
• Safe disconnection of utilities prior to demolition, excavation, or major site establishment works
• Establishing safe access and egress routes for workers, visitors, and emergency services within the hire yard and site compound
• Ensuring clean drinking water availability and appropriate amenities in accordance with WHS and welfare requirements
• Maintaining personal hygiene onsite, including handwashing, toilet facilities, and control of biological hazards
• Coordinating general site establishment works, including delivery, storage, and layout of materials and plant
• Ongoing inspection, monitoring, and adjustment of signage and safety setups throughout the project duration

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, civil contractors, site managers, principal contractors, hire yard operators, and site supervisors responsible for site establishment, compound setup, and safety signage on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on amenities, drinking water, hygiene, and general work environment requirements
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning, site establishment, signage, and safe systems of work on construction projects
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid facilities and arrangements within established sites and compounds
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risk of Fatigue at Work: Considerations for work scheduling, including daylight hours and safe work conditions
• AS 1319 Safety signs for the occupational environment: Requirements for the design, selection, and use of safety and warning signs in workplaces
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules): Relevant guidance for safe interaction with and isolation of electrical installations during site establishment
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017