Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS): Is Less More?

Simple, practical and site-specific SWMS save lives

The intention of safe work method statements (SWMS) is not to develop a 30-page document that sits in the lunch shed. It’s to benefit the worker. To get the crew together to talk about what’s going to happen for the day. To plan and set out how everyone is going to go about their work, and to update anything that’s changed.

When a SWMS is clear, work flows better, and incidents can drop.

SWMS is a document that:

• Identifies the High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW)
• States the hazards and risks
• Outlines sufficient risk controls and how they will be implemented
• Readily accessible and comprehensible.

Trends in SWMS

On site visits, WorkSafe inspectors have seen SWMS move away from the original intention and become unnecessarily lengthy and detailed documents. WorkSafe has developed SWMS FAQs to help guide the industry back. In the FAQs, you will find answers to common questions, like:

• When are generic SWMS acceptable?
• What does ‘sufficiently describe’ mean?
• Should SWMS be translated into other languages?
• Should a principal contractor review a sub-contractor’s SWMS?

Webinar Recording on SWMS

As part of Health and Safety Month 2025, WorkSafe delivered a webinar to over 300 attendees on the use of SWMS.
The webinar covered:

• Why SWMS are vital for safety
• Common injuries when doing HRCW
• How SWMS gives workers clear, step-by-step instructions.

Catch up on the webinar recording here: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/health-and-safety-month-webinars

SWMS 101 – How to Prepare a SWMS

Key steps for preparing a SWMS include:

1. Bring together the relevant workers, their HSRs and supervisors at the location of the proposed HRCW, if possible
2. Review the proposed works and consider any site-specific factors that could impact the HRCW work
3. Ensure all proposed HRCW activities are identified, and hazards and risks are listed
4. For each hazard and risk, select and describe the risk control measures
5. Assess, review and if necessary, update the SWMS. Handwritten updates can be made on-site.

WorkSafe SWMS Page

For more information, including resources to help you and your sub-contractors prepare and review your SWMSs, visit: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safe-work-method-statements-swms