Starting a trade business: the safety paperwork builders ask for
Starting on your own or taking a small crew to site? Ask for the builder's paperwork list early so you have time to gather it.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
What safety paperwork do builders commonly ask for?
Builders commonly ask for the documents below before you start. Their list can vary with the job, site and work you are taking on.
- A SWMS for the jobWhen the job involves high-risk construction work. Prepare it around the actual site, work steps, hazards and controls.
- Licences and ticketsCopies relevant to the people, tasks and equipment on the job. Ask which records they want to see.
- Insurance certificatesAsk which certificates they want, and check the business details and dates on your copies.
- Induction recordsFor you and your crew. Ask about the site's induction process and how to send or record completion.
When is a SWMS needed?
Read the wording for your state or territory below, quoted from its regulation.
A business carrying out high-risk construction work must make sure a SWMS for the work has been prepared before that work starts.
NSW s299(1)Qld s299(1)WA r299(1)SA r299(1)Tas r299(1)ACT s299(1)NT r299(1)read 21 Oct 2026
An employer or self-employed person must not perform high-risk construction work that risks anyone’s health or safety unless a SWMS is prepared before the work starts and the work follows it.
Vic r327(1)read 21 Oct 2026
How do I get ready for the first job?
- 1
Get the builder's list
Ask for the site address, scope, start arrangements and paperwork list. Find out how to send the files and who can answer questions about them.
- 2
Gather the requested records
Put readable copies of the requested licences, tickets, insurance certificates and induction records together. Check the details and dates so you send the current copies.
- 3
Check the work for a SWMS
Use the tool to compare the planned work with your state's list. Have the scope and equipment details handy. If the work is unclear, follow the regulator guidance shown by the tool.
- 4
Prepare a SWMS if it applies to this job
If the work needs one, describe the job, put the work steps in order and plan practical controls for the hazards. Check the draft against the site and talk it through with the crew, or review it yourself if you work alone.
- 5
Send the files and arrange the induction
Gather the requested files. If you are preparing a SWMS, finalise the checked version, collect the signatures the builder asks for and download the PDF. Confirm how to send everything and ask about the site induction.
What can I reuse for the next job?
Keep current business records together so they are easy to find. Check the next builder's list before sending them, as the requested documents may differ.
Prepare a SWMS around each job's scope and site. In OneClickSWMS, each job has its own SWMS. Edits to that same job are free.
Check your first job for a SWMS
Choose your state and the work you plan to do. The tool shows the logged rules and a next step for your answers.
Sources
Where this guide's information comes from
- 1.Safe Work Australia · workplace safety guidance and regulator links · accessed 21 Oct 2026
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Practical guidance for preparing the job document. The legal wording on this page is quoted with its source and the version read.
- Next review
- January 2027, or sooner when a regulation changes
Questions
Questions people ask
I work alone. Where do I start?
Ask the builder for the paperwork list for your job. Gather the current records they ask for, check the work using the SWMS tool and ask about the site's induction arrangements.
Does every builder ask for the same documents?
The list can vary. Ask for it early and check which files relate to your business, which relate to individual workers and which are for this site.
Which insurance certificates should I send?
Ask the builder which certificates they want for this job. Check the business details and dates on those copies before sending them.
Can I make a SWMS before I have all the site details?
You can start a draft with the scope you know. Ask the builder about missing site details, then check the steps, hazards and controls against the site before finalising it.