Safe Work Method Statement Example
Comprehensive SWMS examples and templates for Australian construction sites. Learn what makes an effective safe work method statement with real-world examples.
What Makes a Good Safe Work Method Statement Example?
A well-crafted safe work method statement example should be comprehensive, clear, and tailored to specific work activities. The best SWMS examples include detailed hazard identification, practical control measures, and step-by-step work procedures that workers can easily follow on-site.
Whether you're looking for a free SWMS template or need guidance on creating your own, understanding what goes into an effective safe work method statement is crucial for workplace safety and compliance.
Detailed Safe Work Method Statement Example: Scaffolding
Project Information
Project Name:
Commercial Building Construction - Level 5
Location:
123 Construction St, Sydney NSW
Date:
6/4/2025
SWMS Reference:
SWMS-SCAF-001
Task Description
Erection, alteration, and dismantling of scaffolding structures up to 4 meters in height for facade work on a commercial building project.
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
| Hazard | Risk | Risk Rating | Control Measures | Residual Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working at heights | Falls from scaffolding | High |
| Medium |
| Manual handling | Musculoskeletal injuries | Medium |
| Low |
| Falling objects | Struck by falling tools/materials | High |
| Low |
Step-by-Step Work Procedure
- Pre-start safety briefing: Conduct toolbox talk covering all hazards and controls. Ensure all workers have signed onto this SWMS.
- Site preparation: Establish exclusion zones using barriers and signage. Check ground conditions and install sole boards if required.
- Equipment inspection: Inspect all scaffolding components for damage. Remove any defective items from service and tag accordingly.
- Base setup: Install base plates on firm, level ground. Use adjustable base jacks to ensure level foundation.
- Standards installation: Erect standards (vertical tubes) ensuring they are plumb. Connect with ledgers at required heights.
- Platform installation: Install scaffold planks ensuring full coverage. Secure all planks to prevent movement.
- Safety features: Install guardrails (top and mid-rail), toe boards, and access ladders. Ensure all safety features meet AS/NZS standards.
- Final inspection: Conduct thorough inspection and complete scaffold tag. Only green-tagged scaffolds to be used.
Required PPE
Hard Hat
Hi-Vis Vest
Safety Boots
Work Gloves
Safe Work Method Statement Examples by Trade
Electrical SWMS Example
Installation of power points and lighting circuits in residential buildings
Key Hazards:
- Electrical shock/electrocution
- Arc flash burns
- Working in confined spaces
- Asbestos exposure in older buildings
Critical Controls:
- Lockout/tagout procedures
- Test before touch protocols
- Insulated tools and PPE
- Permit to work systems
Carpentry SWMS Example
Timber frame construction and formwork installation
Key Hazards:
- Cuts from power tools
- Nail gun injuries
- Manual handling strains
- Dust inhalation
Critical Controls:
- Tool guards and safety switches
- Proper lifting techniques
- Dust extraction systems
- Regular tool maintenance
Demolition SWMS Example
Partial demolition of internal walls and fixtures
Key Hazards:
- Structural collapse
- Asbestos and lead exposure
- Flying debris
- Noise and vibration
Critical Controls:
- Engineering assessment
- Asbestos survey and removal
- Exclusion zones
- Dust suppression systems
Downloading Templates vs. Generating Custom SWMS
| Aspect | Generic Templates | AI-Generated SWMS |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | Requires manual editing to fit your project | Automatically tailored to your specific needs |
| Time to Complete | 30-60 minutes of editing | Under 3 minutes |
| Compliance | May not cover all your specific hazards | Addresses your exact work scope |
| Updates | Static document, becomes outdated | Easy to regenerate with new requirements |
| Cost | Free but time-consuming | Small fee, massive time savings |
While generic templates provide a starting point, our AI-powered SWMS generator creates comprehensive, job-specific safe work method statements in minutes.
"We used to spend hours modifying generic SWMS templates for each job. Now with OneClick SWMS, we generate perfectly tailored safe work method statements in minutes. The examples it produces are more comprehensive than anything we could download online."
Michael Chen
Safety Manager, BuildRight Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
A comprehensive SWMS example should include project details, task descriptions, hazard identification with risk ratings, detailed control measures, step-by-step procedures, required PPE, emergency procedures, and spaces for worker acknowledgment.
While generic examples can provide guidance, they must be customized to your specific workplace and tasks to be legally compliant. Australian WHS laws require SWMS to address the actual hazards present at your worksite, not just generic risks.
SWMS should be reviewed and updated whenever work conditions change, new hazards are identified, after incidents, or at least annually. Using an AI-powered generator makes it easy to create updated versions as needed.
While similar tasks may have common elements, each SWMS should be tailored to the specific project, location, and conditions. Even the same task can have different hazards on different sites due to environmental factors, nearby activities, or site-specific requirements.
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