What is a Safe Work Method Statement?
Construction workers are required by law to have a safe work method statement (SWMS) before commencing any high-risk construction work.
An SWMS outlines the hazards and risks involved in the work to be undertaken and sets out the control measures that will be put in place to minimize those risks.
It is essential that all workers on a construction site are aware of the SWMS for the work they are undertaking, and that they understand and follow the control measures set out in it.
The use of safe work method statements can significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on construction sites.
What are the benefits of having a Safe Work Method Statement?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines the safe working practices for a specific task or job.
The purpose of an SWMS is to control the risks associated with the work by identifying the hazards and specifying the controls required to eliminate or minimize those risks.
An SWMS such as demolition SWMS at Construction Safety must be prepared before work commences and must be available for all workers to view prior to starting work.
The benefits of having an SWMS in place include:
-Reduced risk of injury or harm to workers as they are aware of the hazards and controls required when undertaking the task.
-Less chance of production being disrupted due to an accident or incident.
-Improved morale amongst workers as they feel safe and protected whilst carrying out their duties.
-Greater peace of mind for employers knowing that they have taken steps to protect their employees.
How do you create a Safe Work Method Statement?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that outlines the safe work procedures for a specific task or job. It identifies the hazards and risks involved and outlines the control measures to be put in place to minimize the risks.
Creating an SWMS requires a thorough risk assessment of the task or job to be carried out. The assessment should identify all potential hazards and risks, no matter how small. Once the hazards and risks have been identified, control measures must be put in place to minimize them. These control measures could include using personal protective equipment, working in teams, isolating work areas, using guards or barriers, and following safe work procedures.
The SWMS should be developed by the person who will be carrying out the work (or their supervisor), in consultation with health and safety representatives. It should be written in plain English so that it can be understood by all workers involved. The SWMS should also be reviewed and updated regularly as new information becomes available or as the work environment changes.
What should be included in a Safe Work Method Statement?
When creating a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), there are a number of things that should be included in order to ensure the safety of those carrying out the work.
An SWMS should always include a detailed description of the work to be carried out, as well as any potential hazards that could be present. It is also important to identify who will be carrying out the work and what safety measures they will need to take.
In addition, an SWMS should also include an emergency plan in case something goes wrong. This should detail how to safely evacuate the area and who to contact for help.