What Is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document required under Australian work health and safety (WHS) law before prescribed high-risk construction work begins, describing the specific hazards involved, the control measures put in place to manage them, and how those controls will be implemented and monitored. It has to be prepared for the work actually being done, not copied generically, and kept accessible on site while that work is under way. This page describes what a SWMS generally is; it is not legal or safety advice, and current WHS obligations should be confirmed with your state or territory regulator or a qualified WHS professional.
Key takeaways
- A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the hazards and control measures for a specific piece of high-risk construction work, before that work starts.
- Under Australian WHS law, a SWMS is mandatory for prescribed high-risk construction work — such as work at height, near mobile plant, or in excavations — not for every task on site.
- A SWMS is usually prepared by the business carrying out the work, in consultation with the workers doing it, and must be reviewed if the work or conditions change.
- This page is general information about what a SWMS is, not legal or safety advice — confirm current obligations with a qualified WHS professional or your regulator.
What is a Safe Work Method Statement?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a safety document required under Australian work health and safety (WHS) law before prescribed high-risk construction work starts. It identifies the hazards specific to that work, the control measures that will be used to manage them, and how those controls will be put in place, monitored and reviewed while the work is under way.
A SWMS has to describe the actual work and its actual hazards — a generic, boilerplate document that doesn’t reflect the real task and site conditions doesn’t meet the intent of the requirement, even if it uses the right heading.
Not legal or safety advice
This page describes what a SWMS generally is and how it’s typically used. It is not legal or safety advice. WHS obligations vary between jurisdictions and change over time — confirm your requirements with your state or territory WHS regulator or a qualified WHS professional.
When is a SWMS required?
Under the model WHS framework most Australian jurisdictions are based on, a SWMS is required specifically for “high-risk construction work” — a defined list of higher-risk activities, rather than every task on a construction site. Commonly cited categories include work that involves:
- A risk of a person falling more than two metres.
- Work on or near energised electrical installations or services.
- Work in or near a confined space, excavation, tunnel or trench.
- Use of explosives, or work near mobile plant, traffic or a road.
- Demolition of a load-bearing structure, or work on or near asbestos.
What a SWMS includes
A SWMS is typically set out step by step for the work actually being done, rather than written as a single generic statement.
- A description of the specific high-risk work being carried out.
- The hazards identified for each step of that work.
- The control measures used to eliminate or minimise each hazard.
- How those controls will be implemented, and by whom.
- The plant, equipment and personal protective equipment required.
- How the SWMS will be monitored and reviewed if conditions change.
Who prepares and reviews a SWMS?
The business actually carrying out the high-risk work is generally responsible for preparing the SWMS, usually in consultation with the workers who will perform it, since they best understand the practical hazards involved. The principal contractor overseeing the site is typically responsible for making sure a SWMS exists, and is being followed, before that work starts.
A SWMS isn’t a one-off, file-and-forget document — it needs to be reviewed and revised if the work method, site conditions or personnel change, and kept accessible to workers on site for the duration of the work it covers.
Where a SWMS sits alongside your tender
My Trade Hub doesn’t prepare, assess or certify a SWMS — that sits squarely with your own safety system and, ultimately, with qualified WHS advice. What My Trade Hub does help with is the tender side that sits next to it: many tender packs expect a contractor to demonstrate their safety systems are in place alongside the priced scope of work.
Using My Trade Hub’s tender document templates, you can keep supporting documents like your SWMS organised together with your automated takeoff, editable rates and priced Bill of Quantities, so your submission presents as one complete, professional package.
Frequently asked questions
What does SWMS stand for?
SWMS stands for Safe Work Method Statement — a document required under Australian WHS law that sets out the hazards and control measures for prescribed high-risk construction work before it starts.
Do I need a SWMS for every construction job?
No. A SWMS is required specifically for prescribed high-risk construction work, such as work at height or near live electrical services, not for every task on a site. This is general information only — check current requirements with your WHS regulator.
Who is responsible for preparing a SWMS?
Generally, the business carrying out the high-risk work prepares the SWMS, in consultation with the workers doing it, while the principal contractor is responsible for making sure one is in place before work starts.
Is a SWMS the same as an ITP?
No. A SWMS covers safety — the hazards and controls for high-risk work. An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) covers quality — the inspections and tests needed to show work meets the specification.
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