Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

A SWMS is a task-specific safety document required for High Risk Construction Work (HRCW). It outlines the work steps, the hazards and risks, and the control measures that must be in place before work starts.

Our pre-filled SWMS help you:

  • Start with a professional, structured document

  • Save time

  • Tailor it quickly to your site, scope and crew

Note: Our SWMS are pre-filled to give you a head start, but they still need to be tailored to your specific site, job, and task. Update, add, or remove content as required.

A safety work method statements (SWMS) document on a clipboard in front of construction site cranes, with a yellow hard hat in the foreground.

  • A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a mandatory, task-specific safety document for “high risk construction work” (HRCW) under the WHS Regulations. It’s not a generic risk assessment-its purpose is to set out exactly what HRCW is being done, the hazards and risks that arise from that work, and the control measures that will be used to manage those risks before the work starts. A SWMS must be prepared for HRCW and it must identify the HRCW, specify the hazards and risks, and describe the control measures. The PCBU must also ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the SWMS, make it available (e.g., to workers/supervisors and the principal contractor where applicable), and review/revise it when needed (for example, if the work changes or the controls aren’t effective).

Browse SWMS by High Risk Work

Select a High Risk Construction Work activity below to view the SWMS available. Each template is pre-filled to save you time—you simply tailor it to your site, scope and task before use.

Tip: Click a heading to expand, then choose the SWMS you need.