35
Persons conducting a business or undertaking in relation to the 18 high-risk construction work activities defined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 must complete a safe work method statement (SWMS). An SWMS is not required for 'work of a minor nature'. The Work Health and Safety (Construction Work Code of Practice) Approval 2014 outlines the requirements for SWMS.
11 hours, 40 minutes
14
What is an SWMS?
The primary purpose of an SWMS is to enable supervisors, workers and any other persons at the workplace to understand the requirements that have been established to carry out high-risk construction work in a safe and healthy manner. It sets out the work activities in logical sequences and identifies hazards and describes control measures. Any activity, no matter how simple or complex can be broken down into a series of basic steps that will permit a systematic analysis of each part of the activity for hazards and potential accidents. The description of the process should not be so broad that it leaves out activities with the potential to cause accidents and prevents proper identification of the hazards nor is it necessary to go into the fine detail of the tasks. The aim of an SWMS is to:- Describe the activity or task to be undertaken;
- Identify the resources, manpower, and skills associated with the task;
- Assess and select control measures (as appropriate); and,
- Systematically plan the activity so it can be completed efficiently and effectively.
Example:
A contractor is engaged to work on a structure that is above 2 meters. Another contractor is engaged to carry out work using powered mobile plant such as a crane operation. Both contractors are required to prepare SWMS:- The first contractor must ensure an SWMS is prepared for the work that is being carried out above 2 meters.
- The second contractor must ensure an SWMS is prepared for the work on the powered mobile plant.
A person conducting a business or undertaking must prepare an SWMS or ensure an SWMS has been prepared, for high-risk construction work activities. An SWMS must be prepared before this work commences. For all other construction activities, an SWMS is not required. However, a person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety by eliminating or minimising risks so far as is reasonably practicable. A principal contractor must also obtain the SWMS before high-risk construction work on a construction project commences.
The person responsible for carrying out the high-risk construction work is best placed to prepare the SWMS in consultation with workers who will be directly engaged in the work. Generally, this means an SWMS is prepared by the builder for their workers, or by the subcontractor for their workers and themselves. The principal contractor, builder, and subcontractors should consult with each other to determine who is in the best position to prepare the SWMS. Managers, contractors, leading hands and workers should all be involved in developing an SWMS. Consulting workers is important so they understand the detail of the SWMS and what they are required to do to implement and maintain risk controls. Sharing information and using the knowledge and experience of workers will help ensure the work is performed in accordance with the SWMS. If there are a health and safety representative at the workplace they should also be consulted when developing an SWMS.
Course Currilcum
-
- What is the role of the principal contractor? 00:20:00
-
- What information must be included in an SWMS? 01:00:00
- Implementing an SWMS 00:30:00
- Reviewing an SWMS 00:20:00
- High risk activities 00:20:00
- Importance Of Health And Safety In The Workplace FREE 00:10:00
- Basic Health & Safety at Workplace Video FREE 00:20:00
- Example of Safe Work Method Statement 02:00:00
