Why your SWMS doesn’t need a risk matrix, and other SWMS myths busted

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are an important tool to use within the Construction Industry for High Risk Construction Work (HRCW). We’ve listed the common myths we hear across the industry to help you get a better understanding of what really matters when it comes to using a SWMS, and how you can make sure your SWMS is going to help keep you and your workers safe.

Myth – You need to include all the relevant Health and Safety Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice/Compliance Codes on the SWMS

Fact – It isn’t a legal requirement to include all the relevant Health and Safety Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice/Compliance Codes on the SWMS. Some companies, particularly larger ones, might ask their contractors to include this information.  You might want to consider using a SWMS template.

Myth – A SWMS has to be on paper 

Fact – The SWMS should be kept at the workplace where the work is being carried out. It can be in electronic format (such as a SWMS App) or in a paper format as long as it is readily available to workers involved in the work,  and for the entire time they are doing the work.

Myth – You need to include a Risk Matrix and score the hazards and controls on the SWMS

Fact – It isn’t a legal requirement to include a Risk Matrix or score the hazards and controls on the SWMS, however some companies (particularly big ones) might ask their contractors to do this. 

Myth – A SWMS doesn’t need to be kept after the HRCW has finished

Fact – In most cases, a SWMS doesn’t need to be kept after the HRCW has finished, however if you have a notifiable incident it’s likely you will need to keep a copy of the SWMS for two years after the incident date. Notifiable incidents are incidents where there is a serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident and there are certain criteria which can help to identify these types of incidents. If you have a notifiable incident we recommend you check with your Regulator (e.g. WorkSafe, Safe Work) about your requirements or HazardCo members can reach out to our Health and Safety Advisory team for incident support and advice.

Myth – Once a SWMS is developed, you don’t need to review or change it 

Fact – Not true!  If the control measures don’t adequately control the risk, it needs to be reviewed and changed. This might happen when: 

• a change at the site has introduced a new risk to the HRCW which needs to be documented and controlled 
• you talk to the workers and/or contractors about the HRCW and realise a change is required
• an incident happens because of the HRCW
• while monitoring the work you realise the measures don’t control the risk 

At any stage, if work is not being carried out in line with the SWMS make sure work stops immediately (or as soon as safe to do so) and only resumes after the SWMS has been reviewed. 

Remember, if you’re using a SWMS template, it needs to be specific to the site and the HRCW being conducted. Find out if your SWMS templates are up to scratch.

Myth – A SWMS can only include content relevant to the HRCW

Fact – Only hazards and risks that are directly related to HRCW activities need be included in a SWMS. You can add non HRCW hazards and risks if it makes sense, but don’t overdo it. We suggest removing anything unrelated to the high risk construction work to keep it simple.

Myth – A SWMS is required for all high-risk work

Fact – A SWMS is only required for the following High Risk Construction Work (HRCW)  :

• involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 m 
• is carried out on a telecommunication tower 
• involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing 
• involves demolition of an element of a structure that is related to the physical integrity of the structure 
• involves, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos 
• involves structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse 
• is carried out in or near a confined space 
• is carried out in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m or a tunnel 
• involves the use of explosives 
• is carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping 
• is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines 
• is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services 
• is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere 
• involves tilt-up or precast concrete 
• is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians 
• is carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant 
• is carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature 
• is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning 
• involves diving work. 

You must complete a SWMS before undertaking any high-risk construction work, so we’ve made it as simple as possible.  The HazardCo App includes 25 easy-to-edit SWMS templates as well as all the other health and safety tools you need to protect your crew and your business. Get a free trial.