What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

With our employment relations and HR experts supporting thousands of small to medium businesses across Australia, BrightHR understands the importance of keeping your workers safe and your business compliant. One key tool in achieving this—especially in the construction industry—is the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legally required safety planning document for any work classified as 'high-risk construction work' under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017. It outlines the hazards, risks, and control measures associated with specific tasks, ensuring everyone on site—from workers to supervisors—understands how to carry out the work safely.

Think of it as a practical guide that helps prevent accidents and injuries by clearly documenting how to manage risks before the work begins.

When is a SWMS required?

If your business is a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and you're involved in high-risk construction work, you must ensure a SWMS is prepared before that work starts. This includes tasks like:

• Working at heights (e.g. risk of falling more than two metres)

• Demolition work

• Asbestos removal

• Work near live electrical installations

Who is responsible for completing a SWMS?

The responsibility lies with the PCBU carrying out the high-risk work. If multiple businesses are involved—such as subcontractors working under a principal contractor—each PCBU must consult, cooperate, and coordinate to ensure the SWMS is accurate and effective.

For example, if a roofing subcontractor is working on a site managed by a principal contractor, the subcontractor must develop a SWMS that reflects site-specific conditions and aligns with the principal contractor’s WHS management plan.

What should be included in a SWMS?

At a minimum, a compliant SWMS must:

• Identify the high risk work (e.g. working on a roof)

• Specify hazards and associated risks (e.g. falling from the roof)

• Describe control measures (e.g. installing roof rails)

• Explain how controls will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed (e.g. who installs and checks the rails, supervision, site inductions)

• Be understandable to all users

• It should also consider site-specific factors like access points, proximity to powerlines, ground conditions, and other trades working nearby

Can you use a generic SWMS?

Yes—but with caution. A generic SWMS can be used for recurring high-risk activities, but it must be reviewed and tailored to each site to ensure it reflects current hazards and risks.

Do you need a separate SWMS for each activity?

Not necessarily. One SWMS can cover multiple high risk activities, provided it clearly addresses how these tasks interact. Alternatively, separate SWMS documents can be created for each activity, especially if they involve distinct risks (e.g. asbestos removal and working at heights).

Implementing and reviewing a SWMS

Once developed, the SWMS must be actively used on site. This means:

• Controls must be in place before work starts

• Workers must be briefed on the hazards and controls

• If work deviates from the SWMS, it must stop immediately until it's safe to resume

The SWMS must be reviewed regularly, especially when:

• The work process changes

• New hazards emerge

• Control measures are updated

• Reviews should involve consultation with all relevant parties, including subcontractors and health and safety representatives.

Where should you store a Safe Work Method Statement?

The SWMS must be readily accessible at the worksite for the duration of the high-risk activity. It can be stored electronically, if workers can easily access it.

Stay compliant with Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) requirements

Navigating WHS obligations can be complex, but BrightHR’s health & safety software and expert advice services make it simple. From storing and sharing SWMS documents to managing site inductions and safety alerts, we help Aussie SMEs stay compliant and protect their teams.

Make spending hours on your HR admin a thing of the past with our BrightBase document library. With hundreds of documents, templates and guides at your fingertips, you'll always be compliant. Download our SWMS template and you'll be covered for any accidents that may occur in your workplace.

Want to learn more about how BrightHR can support your business with WHS compliance? Book a free product demo today.