Remote and isolated work SWMS, drafted for your job
Remote and isolated work can leave an injured worker out of contact, with difficult access and no nearby crew to notice a missed return. Describe the work and the site: your SWMS is drafted around them, then you check the controls on site before starting.
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
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Remote and isolated work
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Assess task and location | Work unsuitable for a lone worker | High | Arrange a companion where the task needs immediate assistance |
| 2 | Set contact and response plan | Missed return goes unnoticed | High | Record check-ins, overdue triggers and response contacts |
| 3 | Test communication and supplies | No coverage or flat batteries | High | Test backup communication and carry location details |
| 4 | Work and report changes | Isolation and changing access | High | Keep check-ins and report task or route changes |
| 5 | Return and close out | Unreported return or fatigue | Medium | Confirm arrival with the contact and report communication gaps |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your remote and isolated work SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
High-risk work on this job
This task is not usually high-risk construction work. If your job involves any category, tick it when you start and the SWMS covers it.
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a remote and isolated work job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Isolated worker misses a check-in without a nominated responder
High- Assign a contact who can monitor the work period and start the response plan
- Record check-in times, overdue triggers and who takes over if the contact becomes unavailable
- 2
Phone loses reception along the isolated work route
High- Test communication coverage and carry a suitable backup such as satellite communication
- Check batteries and practise sending a location and distress message before departure
- 3
Injured lone worker cannot be reached at the remote task
High- Assign a companion or change the task when rescue depends on another worker being present
- Share coordinates, entry points, gate access and recovery arrangements with the response contact
- 4
Flooded crossing cuts the isolated worker off from the return route
High- Check route conditions and select a route with a usable alternative exit
- Stop before flooded or damaged crossings and notify the contact of route changes
- 5
Fatigued worker drives away from an isolated job after extended effort
High- Plan the work and return journey together with rest opportunities and relief arrangements
- Stop work when fatigue affects judgement and tell the contact before changing the return plan
- 6
Remote worker becomes unwell beyond ready access to shelter
High- Schedule exposed tasks around conditions and stage water, shade and first aid at the work location
- Monitor symptoms during check-ins and stop if conditions or personal health deteriorate
How the job usually runs
- 1Assess task and locationWork unsuitable for a lone worker → Arrange a companion where the task needs immediate assistance
- 2Set contact and response planMissed return goes unnoticed → Record check-ins, overdue triggers and response contacts
- 3Test communication and suppliesNo coverage or flat batteries → Test backup communication and carry location details
- 4Work and report changesIsolation and changing access → Keep check-ins and report task or route changes
- 5Return and close outUnreported return or fatigue → Confirm arrival with the contact and report communication gaps
PPE for this job
- Safety footwear suited to terrain
- Sun-protective clothing
- High visibility clothing
- Gloves suited to the task
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Remote and isolated work SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
What belongs in remote and isolated work SWMS documents?
The exact location, task, communication coverage, check-in contact and overdue response — plus access gates, alternative routes and how assistance will find and reach a worker at the actual work position.
Can a check-in plan make every task suitable for lone work?
Some tasks need another person present to control the work or provide rescue. Assess that before departure and change the crew or method where a remote contact cannot provide the assistance needed.
How much does a remote and isolated work SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
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