Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template
This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) template is designed to systematically identify high-risk construction work activities, evaluate potential and existing hazards, and establish the necessary control measures to mitigate risks and maintain a safe work environment on site.
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How to Use This Checklist
- **Identify the high-risk construction work.** Record the categories that apply to the task, such as working at heights, asbestos, excavation, chemical hazards, concrete elements, extreme temperature, telecommunication tower work, load-bearing for repairs, use of explosives, electrical installation, traffic, risk of drowning, demolition of load-structure, confined space, work near gas piping, work in contaminated atmosphere, or working near powered plants. If a category is not listed, select 'Other'.
- **Describe the task involved.** Set out the work to be carried out so that everyone understands the scope and the sequence of activities.
- **List the risk control measures.** For each hazard identified, state the control measures that will be applied to eliminate or reduce the risk.
- **Assess the residual risk rating after controls.** Once the controls are in place, rate the remaining risk to confirm it is acceptable and to decide whether additional measures are needed.
- **Record the number of workers involved** so the level of supervision and communication required is clear.
- **Add any additional notes or comments** that affect how the work should be carried out.
- **Verify and confirm.** Before work begins, answer whether all identified control measures have been implemented and communicated to workers.
- **Sign and date the document.** Record who prepared it, when it was conducted, and the start and end times and dates of the inspection so the record is complete.
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What a Safe Work Method Statement covers
A Safe Work Method Statement sets out how high-risk construction work will be carried out safely. It identifies the activities involved, the hazards that come with them, and the control measures that will be used to reduce risk. The document is written before work starts and is kept available on site so that the people doing the work know what is expected of them. The checklist covers a defined set of high-risk construction work categories: - Working at heights - Asbestos - Excavation - Chemical hazards - Concrete elements - Extreme temperature - Telecommunication tower work - Load-bearing for repairs - Use of explosives - Electrical installation - Traffic - Risk of drowning - Demolition of load-structure - Confined space - Work near gas piping - Work in contaminated atmosphere - Working near powered plants - Other If the task falls outside these categories, you can record it under 'Other'.
Why this matters
High-risk construction work can cause serious harm if hazards are not identified and controlled. A written statement forces that thinking to happen before work begins, rather than after a problem arises. It gives workers clear instructions, gives supervisors a basis for checking that controls are in place, and creates a record of what was decided and by whom.
What a good SWMS includes
A complete statement records the practical details of the job as well as the hazards and controls: - **Location** of the work - **Task involved** and how it will be carried out - **Risk control measures** for each hazard - **Residual risk rating** after those controls are applied - **Number of workers involved** - **Additional notes or comments** - Confirmation that controls have been implemented and communicated - **Signature** of the person responsible - Dates and times showing when the document was prepared and when the work took place
How to carry out the process
The process runs in the same order every time: 1. Record where and when the statement is prepared and who prepared it. 2. Identify the high-risk construction work categories that apply. 3. Describe the task involved. 4. List the risk control measures for each hazard. 5. Rate the residual risk after controls. 6. Record the number of workers involved and any additional notes. 7. Confirm that all identified controls have been implemented and communicated to workers. 8. Sign the document and record the start and end times and dates. Keep the document on site for the duration of the work. If the task changes, or if the controls are not working as intended, stop and review the statement before continuing.
Confirming controls before work begins
The final step is a check, not a formality. Before work starts, confirm that every control measure listed has been put in place and explained to the workers who will carry out the task. Record the answer as Yes, No, or N/A. If the answer is No, the controls are not ready and the work should not proceed until they are. Verification, together with the signature and the recorded start and end times, closes the loop between planning and doing the work.
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