Insert Company NameWHSPRO - 003

Preparation of

Safe Work Method Statements & Site Risk Assessments

Introduction

The purpose of this procedure is to define the requirements for Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Site Risk Assessments. This procedure will also provide guidance to Insert Company Namein the effective development and use of SWMS both on and off site. These SWMS will outline a safe method of work and help meet legal/contractual responsibilities.

Scope

The procedure applies to all activities that have a high/medium risk and a SWMS must be developed prior to the activity beginning or continuing. Where a known risk exists, or a near miss or medical treatment injury and/or damage have actually occurred, a specific risk assessment is to be conducted to determine the need for a SWMS. Employees developing SWMS must understand risk assessment and risk control hierarchy and have a good understanding of the activity for which SWMS is being developed. Site Risk Assessments are to be conducted prior to commencing work at a site other than the normal premises of Insert Company Name

Definitions

Safe Work Method Statementis a document that outlines how to do an activity or job safely. Other organisations may call this process a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or a Safe Operating Procedure (SOP).

Site Risk Assessment is a document which outlinesthe process of evaluating the probability and consequences of injury or illness arising from exposure to an identified hazard on sites other than normal premises.

Roles & Responsibilities

Managers/Supervisors are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that Safe Work Methods Statements (SWMS) are developed and maintained for the required activities to be undertaken where there is a high/medium risk of injury
  • Ensuring that the developed Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are written, approved, followed and that instruction in the SWMS is undertaken by staff prior to the implementation of the SWMS.
  • Involving Employees in the development of SWMS
  • Ensuring that SWMS & Site Assessments are accessible to employees at all times and that records are maintained

Employees are responsible for:

  • Not placing themselves or others at risk of injury by complying with SWMS
  • Contributing to the development of SWMS and Site Assessments

Procedure

The purpose of a Safe Work Method Statement is to:

  • outline a safe method of work for a specific job
  • provide an induction document that workers must read and understand before starting a job
  • meet legal requirements, that is, hazard identification and control
  • program work, materials, time, staff, and to anticipate possible risks and hazards
  • provide evidence in auditing and inspection
  • satisfy contractual requirements of any principal employer/contractor

Conducting a Site Assessment is necessary:

  • to submit a site safety management plan
  • to assist in addressing all the risks or hazards in the scope of work to be completed
  • where a high risk activity or job is required to be performed rather than one of the more common tasks
  • in the case of complex works projects where many tasks are involved
  • where many different tasks potentially impact upon each other.

Who should be involved:

  • Workers developing SWMS must understand risk assessment and risk control hierarchy and have a good understanding of the activity for which SWMS is being developed.
  • Managers /supervisors and workers should be actively involved in developing SWMS and conducting site assessments

How to write a safe work method statement:

Step 1 / Describe the project or job that is to be done. Provide a brief summary of the work.
Step 2 / List the qualifications, certificates and licenses required to perform the job
Step 3 / Outline the details of any specific duties or tasks that are to be done by a supervisor or employee
Step 4 / List any specific training required or necessary to complete the task.
Step 5 / List any relevant acts, regulations, codes of practices or standards that need to be complied with.
Step 6 / List any plant, equipment and tools required to complete the job.
Step 7 / List all the personal protective equipment to be worn by workers i.e., hard hat, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, broad brim hat, high visibility vests and boots.
Step 8 / List specific procedures that need to be in place should an emergency occur. This should include environment management.
Step 9 / Write out the job procedure step by step.
  • Ensure it follows a logical sequence
  • Start each step with an action word
  • Make it clear and easy to read.
  • Avoid use of jargon and abbreviations
  • Write important information in BOLD

Step 10 / List the hazards associated with each step.
Step 11 / List the control measure(s) that are required to be in place
Step 12 / Conduct a site risk assessment (if relevant and appropriate to do so). Tick the hazards present and/or record additional hazards identified
Step 13 / Complete the risk assessment.
  • List the hazard
  • Describe who might be harmed and how it is likely to occur
  • List any safety control(s) that you already have in place that restrict(s) the impact of this hazard on your work?
  • List any additional safety control(s) that are required for this hazard.
  • Allocate responsibility to an employee to put the additional controls in place.
  • Specify a date when this should be completed and when it has been done.

References

Work Health, Safety Act (and associated Regulations)

Accident Compensation Act

Compliance codes / Codes of practice

Forms

WHSFOR-003A - SWMS & Site Inspection

Authorised by:

Signature:

Date:14 November 2018

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Z:\GTA Vic\OH&S\safetyfirst\Policies & Procedures\SafetyFirst Documents\Work Health and Safety\18. Employer Resources\5 Steps to Safety\5 Steps To Safety - Management System\2 PlanningPreparation of Safe Work Method Statements & Site Risk Assessments

Issue Date: 14 November 2018

Review Date: 14 November 2018