SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT

SITE ESTABLISHMENT
Prepared for
Client: Project No:
Site: Date Prepared:

1. RESPONSIBILITIES

CompanyName will conduct inductions for all workers (inclusive of employees and subcontractors) prior to commencing site work. A record of site inductions and toolbox meetings
will be kept at the CompanyName office for future reference.

The Principal Contractor or Client will provide adequate amenities (toilets, wash rooms, dining facilities etc) as defined for this work type and in accordance with Safe Work Australia
Code of Practice Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

All CompanyName workers engaged in site work are required to wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as noted in this document. No glass containers will be
allowed on site (except in meal rooms). The consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol is prohibited.

2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This brief, step by step work summary is to be completed by the Person Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or Site Supervisor on site prior to work commencing to assist
in the identification of possible hazards:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

UNDERGROUND SERVICES AFFECTED BY THE WORKS: Yes No If YES, complete table below:

Underground Service Affected? (Y/N) Located? (Y/N) Marked? (Y/N)

Electricity
Gas
Water
Phone / Cable
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3. RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment Table

When assessing the risk of a particular hazard remember:
Consequence or Impact of Hazard Level of A P U Likelihood/Probability Risk Rating
• The rating you use should indicate the importance of
harm
the action required to minimise the Risk posed by the
H-Potential death, permanent or long H-High 1 1 2 A-Almost certain could 1-Immediate
Hazard.
term disability or illness, significant happen at any time action is
• The more Hazards you identify the greater the overall
detrimental environmental impact required
Risk on the site.
M-Potential temporary disability or illness M-Medium 1 2 3 P-Possible risk could 2-Control the
requiring medical attention, short term happen occasionally risks/ hazards • Overall Risk increases as the number of people
environmental impact a.s.a.p. exposed to a Hazard increases.
L-Potential minor injury requiring first aid L-Low 2 3 3 U-Unlikely may happen 3-Control risks • The more serious the potential impact to a person’s
or minimal environmental impact rarely with routine health from a Hazard the greater the Risk.
procedures • The frequency of exposure to a Hazard will increase the
Risk.
Hierarchy of Controls
Eliminate Most Effective Eliminate – ‘Design out’ the hazard when new materials, equipment and work systems are being purchased for the
workplace;

Substitute Substitute - Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment or substances and use smaller sized containers;

Isolate – separate the workers from hazards using barriers, enclosing noisy equipment and providing exhaust or
Isolate ventilation systems;
Engineering – use engineering controls to reduce the risks such as guards on equipment, hoists or other lifting and
Engineering moving equipment;

Administrative – Minimise the risk by adopting safe working practices or providing appropriate training, instruction or
Administrative
information.

Personal Protective Personal Protective Equipment – Make sure that appropriate PPE is available and used correctly.
Equipment (PPE)
Least Effective

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The Work Process - “Risk Rating” and “Who is Responsible” is to be completed by the PCBU or Site Supervisor prior to work commencing. Additional Site Specific
Requirements are to be entered following this section:

Step by Step Risk Who is

Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
1 Risk Assessment Workplace / worksite hazards • Do a Risk Assessment prior to commencing work and review the
Unlicensed / untrained Principal Contractor's Site Safety Plan and Emergency Procedures
workers and/or your subcontractors’ Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS);
• Identify additional safety controls where required using the Risk
Assessment Worksheet and Hazard Report Form;
• Manage the risks to health and safety associated with falls from one
level to another that is reasonably likely to cause an injury;
• Obtain approvals from the supply authorities where required;
• Make sure workers are trained, qualified or experienced to carry out
the specified tasks; and
• Request appropriate licences or certification when required before
allowing work to commence, including local council approval where
required.
2 Site induction Uninformed workers – • All workers including subcontractors must have completed the
unaware of the hazards and General Construction Induction Training and hold a current card or
dangers certification;
• Identify environmental protection requirements from the project
environmental management plan, and confirm and apply to the
allotted task;
• Advise workers and other persons on site of work to be carried out;
• Conduct a site specific induction for all project workers and have
them sign a Site Induction Register including but not limited to:
o Hazards specific to the site and work activities to be carried out;
o Safety controls and revised Safe Work Method Statements
(SWMS);
o Use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
o Emergency and evacuation procedures; and
o Location of amenities and first aid facilities.

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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
3 Personal Protection Injury, illness, permanent • PPE is to be used only when no other control can reduce or
Equipment (PPE) disability and in extreme cases eliminate the hazard / risk;
death. • Make sure all workers are issued with and wear the recommended
PPE as required for safety on the worksite and specific to the
activities and tasks; e.g. Safety Boots, eye protection, gloves, hard
hat and high visibility clothing; and
• Train workers in the correct use, maintenance and storage of PPE.
4 Working outside Sun exposure can cause • Wear sunscreen, wide brim hat, long sleeve shirt with collar,
sunburn, skin cancer, pterygia, trousers and wrap around safety sunglasses;
corneal cataracts and heat • Work in the shade when possible or under a shade structure; and
stroke • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
5 Manual handling – Strains, sprains and soft tissue • Train workers in correct lifting techniques – bend the knees to lift
lifting, carrying, damage and lower, use thighs (DO NOT bend over to lift), head up, chin in
pushing, pulling and Back injuries and keep elbows close to body - never twist while lifting, lowering or
holding Crushing injuries carrying a load;
• Make sure load is stable before lifting;
• Heavy and awkward items get help or use lifting equipment;
• Rotate tasks to prevent repetitive strain injuries; and
• Refer to: SWMS – Manual Handling.
6 Plant and equipment Injuries to workers and others: • All workers must wear high visibility clothing and safety boots at all
movement on site Traffic and moving plant - times, as well as hardhats, hearing, eye protection, dust mask and
impact and crushing injuries gloves as required;
Hit by falling objects • When working near roads, produce a ‘Traffic Management’ or
Dust / fumes – lung damage ‘Control Plan’ if required;
Slips, trips and falls • Where required, develop a Vehicle Movement Procedure in
Access and egress accordance with AS 1742.3 - Manual of uniform traffic control
Property damage devices – Traffic control for works on roads;
• Provide clear access for vehicles to enter, exit and move on site
• Erect warning signs, barricades and traffic controllers if required;
• Designate a responsible person to direct vehicles and do not stand

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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
on the downhill side or directly behind a moving or unloading truck;
• Keep clear of the load gate when releasing the pin;
• Check for overhead wires, structures and branches especially when
tipping;
• Make sure the operator has seen you if you are nearby;
• Make sure trucks can exit steep or muddy sites when empty; and
• Refer to: SWMS – Traffic Management.
7 Truck deliveries and Injuries to workers and others: • All workers must wear high visibility clothing, safety boots, eye
vehicle movement on Traffic and moving plant - protection and hardhats at all times;
site impact and crushing injuries • Restrict access to the work area to only those involved in the activity
Hit by falling objects and make sure it is kept clear at all times;
Dust / fumes – lung damage • Check work area for unsafe ground conditions and obstacles prior to
Slips, trips and falls entering the worksite;
Access and egress • Provide clear access for vehicles to enter, exit and move on site
Property damage • Position ladders and working platforms away from vehicular access;
• Erect warning signs, barricades and traffic controllers if required;
• Designate a responsible person to direct vehicles and do not stand
on the downhill side or directly behind a moving or unloading truck;
• Keep clear of the load gate when releasing the pin;
• Check for overhead wires, structures and branches especially when
tipping;
• Make sure the operator has seen you if you are nearby; and
• Make sure trucks can exit steep or muddy sites when empty.
8 Earth Moving Plant and Equipment – impact • Make sure operator has the appropriate certificates or experience to
Equipment / crushing injuries operate the equipment;
Hit by falling objects • Restrict access to the work area to only those involved in the activity
Dust / fumes – lung damage and make sure it is kept clear at all times;
Slips, trips and falls • Make sure to maintain access to under / above ground utility
Access and egress services and hydrants and provide adequate protection to ensure
Property damage safety of workers accessing these services;
• Check work area for unsafe ground conditions and obstacles prior to
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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
entering the worksite;
• Make sure all workers are aware of the work activity;
• Make sure traffic control is in place if working on or near roads; and
• Make sure the equipment is in good working condition and regularly
maintained.
9 Locate services Electricity - electrocution • Locate services - dial before you dig 1100;
above and below Gas – explosion • Inform employees where services are located;
ground • Do not carry out work near live electrical services if possible;
• Use licensed tradespersons to connect or disconnect any services;
• Use tools with timber handles or rubber grips; and
• Use timber pegs and stakes for setting out.
10 Supply and take Inadequate facilities and • Make sure workers have easy access to clean and well-maintained
delivery of portable amenities toilets and washing facilities;
toilet and site shed Vehicular movement - impact • Provide clean and hygienic portable sheds or other suitably
injuries protected areas where they can change and store clothing, eat
meals and take shelter from bad weather;
• Provide lunchrooms with heaters and air-conditioning (or other
effective cooling fans), a refrigerator and a microwave oven or pie
warmer etc.;
• Provide a ready supply of cool, clean drinking water;
• Wear high visibility clothing when working near delivery vehicles;
• Use one person to direct truck if required; and
• Keep clear of moving and tipping trucks.
11 Install erosion Manual Handling - back and • Use two people to move bales and sand bags or use mechanical aids;
controls – such as muscle strains. • Make sure to plan sediment and erosion controls for your site before
straw bales, sand Untrained employees - Impact you start work;
bags. Hammering injuries • Make sure to check with the local council, depending on the work
in stakes and activities you maybe required to submit a Sediment and Erosion
attaching silt Control Plan;
fences. • Use the correct tool for the task;
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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
• Train employees in the correct use of the tools; and
• Check tools are in good working order.
12 Access to work Housekeeping - slips, trips and • Carry out regular inspections;
area falls, abrasions, back and • Keep access and work areas clear; and
muscle strain. • Make sure adequate signage is in place to identify hazards and
paths of travel.
13 Set up power Electricity – electrocution • Check equipment and parts are in good condition;
supply • Use stands and hooks to raise power cords off the ground in wet or
high traffic areas;
• Use ELCB or RCD to prevent electrocution; and
• Keep all equipment at least 4m away from overhead powerlines.
14 Install temporary Injury to public entering site • Exclude the public from the site or provide safe access;
fencing; Electricity - electrocution • Make sure temporary fencing structures / barrier systems are of
barricading; tape Impact injuries sound construction at all times;
and signs – Manual Handling - Back and • Make sure to locate temporary fencing systems so they do not
ramming or muscle strain impact on environmentally sensitive areas and /or fauna travel
hammering in star paths;
pickets. • Contain unloading and loading of materials within the property
boundaries. The fencing system should allow sufficient space for
this to occur;
• Set out fence line and anchoring structure positions to requirements
of plans and specifications;
• Make sure fencing systems do not interfere with sight lines of
motorists, pedestrians, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, kerb
ramps or vehicles entering or leaving the site;
• Retain a minimum of 1.5 metre footway width between the
temporary fencing system and the roadway;
• Make sure construction wraps (i.e. shade cloth or a similar material)
are fitted to any open fencing to contain dust during demolition and /
or excavation works. (Note: additional bracing will be required to

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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
maintain the integrity of the fence, refer to AS4687);
• Train employees in the correct use of tools;
• Use timber stakes and marker paint where possible to mark out site
fence line;
• Use correct manual handling techniques when placing fence bases
on the ground and installing fence into bases, use a lifting device if
awkward or heavy;
• Rotate tasks between employees to prevent repetitive strain injuries;
• Fix fence rails and cladding or mesh to posts and fence bases;
• Plumb to alignment using a lifting device or extra workers, and
tighten nuts on clamps / screw / nail in place;
• Make sure gates are fitted and secured to requirements of site
drawings and specifications;
• Make sure Gates / doors used to access the site should swing
inwards only;
• Make sure to locate access point/s to the construction site so as not
to cause a hazard or nuisance to existing traffic and / or pedestrians;
and
• Install signage at entry gates in accordance with the site safety
plan and security requirements.
15 Marking out with Hazardous substances - skin • Wear gloves if using lime and a respirator or dust mask;
lime or paint irritation and inhalation of lime • Use an extension handle for marker paint cans;
and paint fumes. • Make sure to allow for windy conditions, mark out when winds are
Repetitive strain - back and light or with wind blowing away from you;
muscle strain • Provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for hazardous substances; and
• Train employees in correct use of the hazardous substance.
16 Hammering in pegs Impact injuries • Use the correct tool for the task;
• Train employees in the correct use of tools;
• Check tools are in good working order; and
• Rotate tasks between employees to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
17 Set profiles and Impact injuries, trip hazards • Use the correct tool for the task;
string lines • Make sure employees are trained in the correct use of tools;
• Check tools are in good working order;
• Use a brightly coloured string line to aid visibility;
• Take care when moving around site; and
• Rotate tasks between employees to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
18 Excavating with Plant and machinery – impact • Locate services dial before you dig 1100;
machine injuries • Make sure machine operator has been assessed as competent to
Noise – hearing damage operate machine;
Services – electrocution or • Wear hearing protection;
explosion • Keep clear of machine when it is in operation;
• Wear high visibility clothing when working near machinery; and
• Refer to: SWMS – Excavator;
SWMS – Backhoe; or
SWMS – Skid Steer Loader.
19 Excavating by hand Manual Handling - back and • Use the correct tool for the task;
muscle strain • Train employees in the correct use of tools;
• Check tools are in good working order;
• Do not overload wheelbarrow and make sure load is even;
• Keep path for wheelbarrow clear and even; and
• Rotate tasks between employees to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
20 Stockpiling Movement of material if • Make sure stockpiled materials are stored away from general work
materials stacked poorly or during bad area;
weather • Make piles no larger than 1m high;
• Store on level ground if possible; and
• Cover with a tarpaulin.

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 Step by Step Risk Who is
Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?
21 Movement of Plant and machinery – impact • Make sure machine operator has current certification to operate
materials around injuries machine;
the site by machine • Keep clear of machine when in operation; and
• Wear high visibility clothing when working near machinery.
22 Movement of Manual Handling - back and • Use the correct tool for the task;
materials around muscle strain • Train employees in the correct use of tools;
the site by hand • Check tools are in good working order;
• Do not overload wheelbarrow and make sure load is even;
• Keep path for wheelbarrow clear and even; and
• Rotate tasks between employees to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
23 Loading waste into Manual Handling - backs and • Wear appropriate PPE;
truck, ute or skip by muscle strain. • Do not overload wheelbarrow and make sure load is even;
hand • Keep path for wheelbarrow clear and even;
• Make sure trucks and utes are loaded evenly;
• Check air pressure in tyres is correct for load; and
• Secure load with ropes and/or tarpaulin.
24 Completion of work Manual handling - strains • Remove any excess materials from the site using correct manual
or end of work day sprains and back injuries handling techniques and or environmental considerations;
Slips, trips and falls • Wear gloves when handling sharp objects;
Cuts and abrasions • Place equipment in approved storage area or back in work vehicle;
• Make sure the work area is left clean and tidy; and
• Lock / secure storage areas and / or site as required.

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Site Specific Requirements - To be completed by the PCBU or Site Supervisor if site-specific hazards are identified (attach additional pages if necessary):

Step by Step Risk Who is

Steps Possible Hazards Safety Controls
Procedure Rating responsible?

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4. RESOURCES, QUALIFICATIONS AND PERMITS REQUIRED Work Health and Safety - Responsibilities
a) _________________ will be responsible for identifying and assessing the hazards
Minimum number of workers associated with the works, and documenting the hazard control measures to be
2 or more taken.
required to complete this work
Licence No: b) _________________ will be responsible for compliance with Work Health and
Trade licence required to Safety (WHS) legislation, regulations, standards, codes, and the site-specific Sites
complete this work Held By: Safety Rules.
Additional qualifications, permits
c) _________________ will be responsible for assessing and monitoring your
and/or experience required to
subcontractors' capabilities, and for making sure they meet WHS requirements.
complete this work
Additional training required to Site Specific Induction and SWMS review d) _________________ will be responsible for managing the acquisition and
complete this work required for all workers communication of WHS information to managers, supervisors and people working
on site.
e) _________________ will be responsible for preparing, maintaining and making
5. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
accessible the register of hazardous substances.
The Officer for this project is __________________, he/she can be contacted on f) _________________ will be responsible for maintaining first-aid stocks.
_________________.
g) _________________ will be responsible for managing accident and emergency
procedures.
The Site Supervisor for this project is __________________, he/she can be
contacted on _________________. h) _________________ will be responsible for keeping WHS records.
i) _________________ will be responsible for making sure that the Site Safety Rules
The Health and Safety Representative (HSR) for this project is are available and provided to people who may work on or visit the Site.
_________________, he/she can be contacted on ________________.
j) _________________ will be responsible for workplace injury management and
rehabilitation.
All CompanyName workers:
k) _________________ will be responsible for managing communication between
→ WILL be required to have relevant trade experience. Health and Safety Committees (where applicable).
→ WILL be required to attend regular site inductions, project and task specific
l) _________________ will be responsible for displaying the Site Safety Rules on
induction training and possess the current General Construction Induction
noticeboards and other suitable locations on site.
Training card.

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6. TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES 9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

The HSR will: PPE for this task includes but is not limited to:
a) identify the WHS training needs of management, supervisors and workers on 1 Hard hats / sun hats 6 High visibility clothing / vests
site;
2 Safety Boots 7 Hearing protection
b) make sure that appropriate training is carried out internally and/or by Safe
Work Australia accredited trainers; 3 Respiratory masks 8 Sun protection
c) make sure that all personnel attend general construction WHS induction 4 Sunglasses / safety glasses 9
training before starting work;
5 Protective gloves 10
d) make sure that all personnel attend adequate site-specific induction, work activity
and refresher safety training;
e) conduct induction training, task training and refresher safety training for
everyone working on site; and
f) keep appropriate records of WHS training at the CompanyName office. 10. ACCESS
No access shall be permitted by other trades into the work area whilst work is in
7. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
progress. If necessary, appropriate signage and/or hoarding will be set up around
The HSR will: the work area to prevent access. Such signs and hoarding will be removed and area
made-good on completion of work.
a) be available (both during and outside normal working hours) to prevent,
prepare for, respond to and recover from incidents; and 11. LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, CODES AND STANDARDS
b) make sure that the procedures for contacting the relevant person(s) are The following reference documents have been identified as relevant to this project
communicated and clearly displayed on the sites. and a copy is kept at the CompanyName office. This list is a guide only and is not
8. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT necessarily all the relevant documentation:
a) Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Plant and Equipment used on site includes but is not limited to: b) Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
Plant and/or Equipment Inspection and maintenance checks required c) COP Construction Work
d) COP First Aid in the Workplace
Electrical plant, power Tested and tagged monthly. Visual inspection prior e) COP Hazardous Manual Tasks
tools, leads and ELCB’s to use f) COP How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
Tested and tagged monthly. Visual inspection prior g) COP Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
Lifting devices
to use h) COP Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
Earth Moving Equipment Operational and maintenance check i) AS 4687:2007 - Temporary fencing and hoardings
j) AS 1742.3:2019 - Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices – Traffic Control
for Works on Roads
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12. SIGNOFF

The representatives of CompanyName listed below have been involved in the creation and implementation of this Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and will make sure all work
is carried out in accordance with this document. All workers listed below have the appropriate licence/qualifications and/or experience required to perform each job task:

Worker on site Role Signature Date

(e.g. worker, supervisor)

Signature and details of person responsible for site supervision of the work, inspecting and approving work areas, work methods, compliance with SWMS, protective
measures, plant, equipment and power tools for this site:

Signed: Date:

Name: Position:

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