Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Risk Management Tools

A Safe Work Method Statement is a statement, in writing, setting out the method of work to be used in a job to ensure that it can be completed safely. It links an organisation’s risk management process and those who perform the work on site, instructing workers how to perform a task, the associated hazards and the controls in place to eliminate or reduce the risks.

This short online course is designed for those responsible for daily site supervision, conducting operations and development of documentation on a worksite.

This course explores the basic operational standards, legislative requirements, safety management and construction standards required on high risk construction sites.

You’ll learn what the risk management process is and how it helps prevent incidents occurring. You’ll also learn what hazards are, how to identify them, and how to assess risks and determine if they are acceptable or not.

The course will then take you through the steps involved in completing a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), including reviewing a scenario involving a high risk construction activity, providing context for your learning.

Finally, you’ll look at the process of monitoring and reviewing controls to manage risk, as well as learn about how to use informal risk management tools to supplement a more formal risk management process.