Safe Work Method Statements
At Activate Safety, we specialise in developing clear, compliant, and easy-to-understand Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for businesses across high-risk industries. As part of our commitment to helping Australian organisations meet their legal obligations under WHS legislation, we create SWMS that identify hazards, outline control measures, and guide workers through safe work practices step-by-step. Our services are tailored for a range of industries, including construction, aged care, education, and laboratory environments.
To further support site-wide safety, we offer integrated Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and comprehensive workplace risk assessments in Adelaide, providing a complete overview of operational hazards and tailored mitigation strategies.
SWMS Service for Construction Sites
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are indispensable before commencing any high-risk construction activities such as scaffolding, working at heights, demolition, or excavation near live services, due to the inherently fluid nature of work environments where multiple trades operate simultaneously and conditions evolve daily. The need for a SWMS arises from the imperative to control these potential hazards that could lead to serious injury or death. Beyond regulatory compliance, the purpose of an SWMS in construction is to provide structured guidance on risk identification, control implementation, and task sequencing. It supports better coordination among crews, enhances safety briefings during toolbox talks, and ensures each phase of the job is executed in a safe, informed, and legally compliant manner. Complementary tools, such as clearly displayed evacuation diagrams in Australia, further contribute to risk management by guiding personnel in emergency response actions, particularly during high-risk activities
SWMS Service for Aged Care Facilities
In aged care settings, a SWMS must be prepared and implemented before any high-risk work occurs within or around resident-accessible areas, this includes electrical maintenance, plumbing repairs, or construction activities in communal spaces. The critical timing for a SWMS here is dictated by the presence of residents who may be physically, mentally, or emotionally vulnerable. These environments demand a heightened level of planning and caution. The need for SWMS stems from the necessity to protect not only the workers but also the aged individuals whose health and safety could be impacted by noise, airborne particles, trip hazards, or infectious agents. Aged care SWMS documents account for site-specific risks such as restricted mobility access, after-hours work, infection control protocols, and resident engagement procedures. They ensure that maintenance and construction tasks are conducted discreetly, efficiently, and with full regard to the well-being and dignity of all residents involved. For organisations that support people under the NDIS, a detailed NDIS site safety inspection can further align safety procedures with care-specific compliance standards.
SWMS Service for Educational Institutions
Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and early learning centres require a Safe Work Method Statement to be developed and authorised before any high-risk maintenance or construction work begins on the premises. This includes tasks like roofing, painting with elevated access, asbestos removal, or installation of heavy machinery. The justification for a SWMS in these environments lies in the need to safeguard children and young adults, groups especially sensitive to disruptions and environmental hazards. These sites often remain operational during maintenance work, making it essential to manage risks without compromising learning continuity or safety. SWMS documentation outlines controls for isolating work areas, coordinating with school administrators, communicating risk to staff and guardians, and ensuring all operations comply with departmental safety protocols. Supporting documents such as emergency evacuation diagrams in Adelaide further enhance on-site safety by visually guiding students and staff during potential emergencies, especially during high-risk work windows. It allows hazardous tasks to be integrated into a school environment in a way that upholds both physical safety and educational integrity.
SWMS Service for Laboratory Environments
Laboratories, such as clinical, pharmaceutical, academic, or industrial, demand the completion of a lab-specific SWMS prior to initiating any high-risk activity, such as equipment installation, calibration of gas systems, or handling volatile chemicals. The requirement for SWMS in laboratory settings is driven by the need to maintain precision, prevent contamination, and adhere to strict compliance frameworks. These environments operate under controlled conditions, often involving sensitive research or diagnostic work that cannot be interrupted or compromised. A SWMS in this context maps out highly specific risks such as chemical burns, pressure leaks, exposure to biological agents, or failure of isolation mechanisms. It prescribes detailed control measures including ventilation protocols, personal protective equipment standards, and emergency response procedures. Paired with a comprehensive work health and safety site inspection, this documentation helps ensure that laboratory environments remain compliant, secure, and fully prepared to handle high-risk tasks with precision. The timing of SWMS implementation is crucial to preventing cross-contamination, protecting specialist personnel, and ensuring that all interventions are carried out within the bounds of established lab safety regulations.
Protect your workforce and meet your WHS obligations with professionally developed Safe Work Method Statements. Our expert team helps you streamline compliance, reduce hazards, and strengthen on-site safety across all high-risk environments.
For a complete safety solution, explore our Essential WHS package or reach out to us directly at our email info@activatesafety.com.au to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We believe the responsibility of preparing a SWMS lies with the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU), such as a contractor, employer, or project manager involved in high-risk work. However, we often assist businesses in preparing compliant and task-specific SWMS to ensure all legal and practical safety obligations are met effectively.
-
A SWMS should be reviewed and updated whenever there is a change in work processes, site conditions, equipment, or if an incident occurs. At Activate Safety, we recommend regular reviews to ensure the SWMS remains relevant, accurate, and effective in managing risk across different work scenarios.
-
No, a SWMS is not legally required for all industries, only for those involving high-risk construction work, as defined by WHS Regulations. However, we encourage businesses across various sectors like aged care, schools, and labs to adopt SWMS as a proactive safety measure, even when not strictly required by law.
-
SWMS are mandatory for high-risk construction work, including, but not limited to, tasks involving heights, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, asbestos, or nearby live electrical systems. We provide detailed and site-specific SWMS to cover these activities, helping businesses stay compliant and protect their workers.
-
Yes, subcontractors can use a SWMS provided by the head contractor, but they must still ensure it accurately reflects the specific work they will be doing. We recommend reviewing and amending the SWMS collaboratively if needed, so that all involved parties understand the risks and controls in place.
-
In aged care, SWMS are essential for maintaining a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors during any high-risk maintenance or construction work. We help providers reduce risk exposure by identifying hazards and implementing effective safety measures, thereby fulfilling their duty of care and ensuring legal compliance.
-
Anyone performing high-risk work within an aged care facility, such as contractors, electricians, or maintenance teams, requires a SWMS. We support aged care operators by preparing professional SWMS tailored to the specific tasks and environments they manage.
-
Yes, if the work involves high-risk tasks, a SWMS is required. School environments require extra caution due to the presence of children. We help schools and contractors develop clear, compliant SWMS for projects such as electrical upgrades, roofing, or structural maintenance.
-
SWMS outline potential risks and control measures in detail, helping prevent accidents and ensuring safe operations near students and staff. We craft SWMS documents that prioritize child safety and promote a risk-aware culture during any on-site work.
-
Lab activities involving high-risk tasks such as gas fitting, chemical handling, ventilation system work, or equipment installation may require a SWMS. Our team prepares lab-specific SWMS that factor in these risks and help labs maintain high safety standards.
-
SWMS complement lab SOPs by offering a broader risk management framework specific to high-risk work. While SOPs cover day-to-day lab practices, our SWMS documents focus on safety procedures for non-routine or contractor tasks, ensuring full alignment with WHS requirements.
Our Blogs
