How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Why a Good SWMS Matters

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is not just paperwork. For High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) it is a legal requirement under Australian WHS Regulations and a key defence if something goes wrong.

Poor SWMS documents are usually:

• Generic copies no one reads.
• Full of jargon workers don’t understand.
• Filed away rather than used on site.

This guide shows you how to write a SWMS that is:

• Compliant with WHS expectations.
• Clear for supervisors and workers.
• Easy to customise for each site.

Need a ready-to-use SWMS? Download pre-written SWMS templates.

What a SWMS Must Cover

A compliant SWMS clearly sets out:

• The High Risk Construction Work being done.
• The hazards and potential consequences.
• The control measures to eliminate or minimise risk.
• How the work will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

Regulators expect that, if they visit site, workers and supervisors can explain the SWMS and show how it is being followed.

The Four Essential Columns

Most practical SWMS use a four-column layout. This structure is familiar to both workers and inspectors:

1. Task / Activity – What is being done?
2. Hazard / Risk – What could go wrong?
3. Control Measure – What will we do to stop it?
4. Person Responsible – Who will make sure controls happen?

1. Task / Activity

Break the job down into logical steps. For example, for a working-at-heights task:

• Deliver materials to site.
• Set up exclusion zones.
• Install scaffolding or edge protection.
• Access work area at height.
• Carry out the main work activity.
• Pack up, remove waste, and demobilise.

Each task step should be specific. Avoid vague entries like “general works”.

2. Hazard / Risk

For each task step, identify what could cause harm, such as:

• Falls from height.
• Being struck by falling objects.
• Electric shock from live services.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Slips, trips, and falls at ground level.

Focus on reasonably foreseeable hazards – the ones most likely to cause real harm.

3. Control Measure

Controls should be linked to the Hierarchy of Controls where possible:

• Elimination – Remove the need to work at height.
• Substitution – Use safer equipment or methods.
• Engineering – Guardrails, scaffolds, physical barriers.
• Administrative – Safe work procedures, training, permits.
• PPE – Harnesses, helmets, gloves.

Write controls as clear actions, for example:

• "Install guardrails on all exposed edges before work starts."
• "Isolate and lock out electrical circuits before accessing the area."
• "Use mechanical aids (trolleys, pallet jacks) instead of manual lifting."

4. Person Responsible

Each control must have someone responsible for making sure it happens, such as:

• Site Supervisor.
• Leading Hand.
• Electrician.
• Crane Operator.

This creates accountability and makes it clear who needs to check controls are in place.

Making the SWMS Site Specific

A SWMS downloaded and printed without changes will not satisfy an inspector.

To make your SWMS site specific:

• Walk the site before completing the document.
• Consider access, terrain, traffic, weather, and nearby services.
• Add hazards and controls that are unique to the job.
• Remove controls that do not apply to your situation.
• Record any client or principal contractor requirements.

Document these adjustments in the SWMS itself, not just verbally.

Consultation and Worker Sign-Off

Consultation is a legal requirement under WHS laws.

You should:

• Discuss the SWMS with workers who will do the job.
• Check that they understand the tasks, hazards, and controls.
• Give them a chance to raise issues or suggest improvements.
• Have each worker sign the SWMS to confirm they have been consulted and understand the safe method of work.

These signatures are more than a formality—they are evidence that consultation occurred.

Reviewing and Updating the SWMS

A SWMS is a live document that must be reviewed when:

• The scope of work changes.
• New plant, substances, or methods are introduced.
• There is an incident or near miss related to the task.
• Site conditions change (e.g. weather, ground movement, additional trades).

When this happens, update the SWMS, consult workers again, and document the changes.

Using BlueSafe Templates as Your Starting Point

Writing a SWMS from scratch every time is slow and often results in inconsistent quality.

BlueSafe’s SWMS packs provide:

• Templates aligned with Australian WHS legislation.
• Trade-specific content (construction, electrical, and more).
• The four-column format inspectors expect to see.
• Clear, practical language that workers can understand.

You can quickly adapt these templates to each project while maintaining a professional, consistent standard across your jobs.

Need templates for your trade? View electrical SWMS packs and construction SWMS packs.