Insert Company Name WHSPRO - 003

Preparation of

Safe Work Method Statements & Site Risk Assessments

Introduction
The purpose of this procedure is to define the requirements for Safe Work Method Statements
(SWMS) and Site Risk Assessments. This procedure will also provide guidance to Insert Company
Name in the effective development and use of SWMS both on and off site. These SWMS will outline a
safe method of work and help meet legal/contractual responsibilities .

Scope
The procedure applies to all activities that have a high/medium risk and a SWMS must be developed
prior to the activity beginning or continuing. Where a known risk exists, or a near miss or medical
treatment injury and/or damage have actually occurred, a specific risk assessment is to be conducted
to determine the need for a SWMS. Employees developing SWMS must understand risk assessment
and risk control hierarchy and have a good understanding of the activity for which SWMS is being
developed. Site Risk Assessments are to be conducted prior to commencing work at a site other than
the normal premises of Insert Company Name

Definitions
Safe Work Method Statement is a document that outlines how to do an activity or job safely. Other
organisations may call this process a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or a Safe Operating Procedure (SOP).
Site Risk Assessment is a document which outlines the process of evaluating the probability and
consequences of injury or illness arising from exposure to an identified hazard on sites other than
normal premises.

Roles & Responsibilities

Managers/Supervisors are responsible for:
 Ensuring that Safe Work Methods Statements (SWMS) are developed and maintained for the
required activities to be undertaken where there is a high/medium risk of injury
 Ensuring that the developed Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are written, approved,
followed and that instruction in the SWMS is undertaken by staff prior to the implementation
of the SWMS.
 Involving Employees in the development of SWMS
 Ensuring that SWMS & Site Assessments are accessible to employees at all times and that
records are maintained

Employees are responsible for:

 Not placing themselves or others at risk of injury by complying with SWMS
 Contributing to the development of SWMS and Site Assessments
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Employer Resources\5 Steps to Safety\5 Steps To Safety - Management System\2 PlanningPreparation of Safe
Work Method Statements & Site Risk Assessments
Issue Date: 7 September 2019
Review Date: 7 September 2019
Insert Company Name WHSPRO - 003

Procedure
The purpose of a Safe Work Method Statement is to:
 outline a safe method of work for a specific job
 provide an induction document that workers must read and understand before starting a job
 meet legal requirements, that is, hazard identification and control
 program work, materials, time, staff, and to anticipate possible risks and hazards
 provide evidence in auditing and inspection
 satisfy contractual requirements of any principal employer/contractor

Conducting a Site Assessment is necessary:

 to submit a site safety management plan
 to assist in addressing all the risks or hazards in the scope of work to be completed
 where a high risk activity or job is required to be performed rather than one of the more
common tasks
 in the case of complex works projects where many tasks are involved
 where many different tasks potentially impact upon each other.

Who should be involved:

 Workers developing SWMS must understand risk assessment and risk control hierarchy and
have a good understanding of the activity for which SWMS is being developed.
 Managers /supervisors and workers should be actively involved in developing SWMS and
conducting site assessments

How to write a safe work method statement:

Step 1 Describe the project or job that is to be done. Provide a brief summary of the
work.
Step 2 List the qualifications, certificates and licenses required to perform the job
Step 3 Outline the details of any specific duties or tasks that are to be done by a
supervisor or employee
Step 4 List any specific training required or necessary to complete the task.
Step 5 List any relevant acts, regulations, codes of practices or standards that need to be
complied with.
Step 6 List any plant, equipment and tools required to complete the job.
Step 7 List all the personal protective equipment to be worn by workers i.e., hard hat,
gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, broad brim hat, high visibility vests
and boots.
Step 8 List specific procedures that need to be in place should an emergency occur. This
should include environment management.

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Employer Resources\5 Steps to Safety\5 Steps To Safety - Management System\2 PlanningPreparation of Safe
Work Method Statements & Site Risk Assessments
Issue Date: 7 September 2019
Review Date: 7 September 2019
Insert Company Name WHSPRO - 003

Step 9 Write out the job procedure step by step.

 Ensure it follows a logical sequence
 Start each step with an action word
 Make it clear and easy to read.
 Avoid use of jargon and abbreviations
 Write important information in BOLD
Step 10 List the hazards associated with each step.
Step 11 List the control measure(s) that are required to be in place
Step 12 Conduct a site risk assessment (if relevant and appropriate to do so). Tick the
hazards present and/or record additional hazards identified
Step 13 Complete the risk assessment.
 List the hazard
 Describe who might be harmed and how it is likely to occur
 List any safety control(s) that you already have in place that restrict(s)
the impact of this hazard on your work?
 List any additional safety control(s) that are required for this hazard.
 Allocate responsibility to an employee to put the additional controls in
place.
 Specify a date when this should be completed and when it has been
done.

References
Work Health, Safety Act (and associated Regulations)
Accident Compensation Act
Compliance codes / Codes of practice

Forms
WHSFOR-003A - SWMS & Site Inspection

Authorised by:
Signature:
Date: 7 September 2019

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Work Method Statements & Site Risk Assessments
Issue Date: 7 September 2019
Review Date: 7 September 2019