Product Overview

This Security Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for security operations in Australian workplaces. It provides detailed guidance across multiple aspects of security work, ensuring robust WHS compliance for boarding, inspection, search, and seizure activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of security work, including pre-start briefings and allocation of roles and responsibilities
• Conducting boarding operations safely, including approach, access, and egress to and from premises, vehicles, or vessels
• Inspection of persons, vehicles, baggage, and cargo using systematic and lawful search procedures
• Search & seizure activities, including handling of prohibited or suspicious items in line with legal and organisational requirements
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for security personnel, including body armour, gloves, eye protection, and communication devices
• Management of potential conflict, aggression, and challenging behaviours during security interactions
• Control of manual handling risks when lifting, moving, or securing bags, containers, or seized items
• Safe use and handling of security tools and equipment such as torches, restraints, detection devices, and scanners
• Communication protocols between security officers, supervisors, and emergency services during routine and critical incidents
• Management of slips, trips, and falls risks during patrols, boarding, and inspections in variable lighting and weather conditions
• Traffic and vehicle interaction risks when working around car parks, loading docks, or access roads during inspections
• Incident reporting, evidence preservation, and record-keeping requirements for search, inspection, and seizure activities
• Emergency response procedures, including duress situations, evacuations, and first aid coordination

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for security officers, maritime and transport security personnel, corporate and facility security teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing or overseeing security work involving boarding, inspection, search, and seizure activities.

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
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on safe and suitable work environments for security operations
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks in security work
• Workplace Violence and Aggression – Guidance Material (Safe Work Australia): Management of risks associated with aggression, threats, and assault during security duties
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements where security activities are undertaken
• AS/NZS 45001 Occupational health and safety management systems: Principles for systematic management of WHS risks in security operations