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SWMS template (safe work method statement)

A safe work method statement form for high risk construction work in Australia, filled in on a phone or laptop. Tick which of the 18 types of high risk construction work the job includes, then list each task with its hazards and risks, the control measures and who checks them. Record the licences, PPE and emergency arrangements, consult the workers and have them sign on, and give a copy to the principal contractor. Try the form below, see every question or open a completed example.

For PCBUs, subcontractors and supervisors who have to hand a SWMS to the principal contractor before high risk construction work starts.

Working somewhere else? In the UK and Ireland this is a RAMS, in the US a JHA or JSA, and in Canada an FLHA.

The 18 types of high risk construction work from regulation 291, to tick
Each task with its hazards, control measures and who monitors them
Hierarchy of control for each task, with a warning when PPE is the only one
White Card, high risk work licences, plant and PPE
Worker consultation, sign-on and the copy to the principal contractor
Review triggers and keeping the SWMS

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What is a SWMS, and what must a safe work method statement include?

A safe work method statement (SWMS) is the document Australia's WHS Regulations require before high risk construction work starts. Safe Work Australia describes it as a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks. Under regulation 299 it must identify the high risk construction work, specify the hazards and risks, describe the control measures, and describe how they will be implemented, monitored and reviewed.

Last updated 25 October 2026. Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 25 October 2026 against Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), regs 291 and 299 to 303, the model WHS Regulations as made law, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), sections 47 and 49 (consultation), Safe Work Australia, Safe work method statement for high risk construction work: information sheet, Safe Work Australia, model Code of Practice: Construction work (November 2024), chapter 4 and the SWMS template, Safe Work Australia, which jurisdictions have the model WHS laws, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic), Part 5.1, regs 322 to 329, WorkSafe Victoria, Safe work method statements (SWMS) and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld): reg 81 and Schedule 3 (high risk work licences), reg 317 (White Card).

How to make this record useful

Task, hazards and risks, control measures and who monitors them

Task 2 of the Logan Distribution Centre roof SWMS, cover the skylights: falling through a brittle skylight, rated extreme before controls. Every skylight gets a fixed mesh cover before sheeting starts, marked on the roof plan and briefed at the pre-start; the supervisor checks the cover count against the plan each day. With the controls in place the risk is low, and the review page counts nothing outstanding once the three workers have signed and the principal contractor has a copy.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

A generic SWMS reused from another site without checking it against this workplace. Safe Work Australia says a generic SWMS must be reviewed for the specific workplace and revised as necessary, and a control written as "use appropriate PPE" does not describe a control measure.

What happens next

Consult the workers, give the principal contractor a copy before the high risk construction work starts and have every worker sign on. Stop the work if it is not being done in line with the SWMS, review it when a control measure changes, and keep every version.

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Every question in the SWMS template

A SWMS for high risk construction work in Australia: the 18 types of high risk construction work to tick, each task with its hazards, control measures and who monitors them, licences, PPE, emergency, worker consultation and sign-on, and review. Written to the model WHS Regulations 2011. 7 sections and 68 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

Project: the project name
Workplace: the site, when the form is opened for a space or a product
Workplace address: the site address, from the space or the project

Work details

SWMS number*Short answer
RevisionShort answer
Date prepared*Date
PCBU (business doing the work)*Short answer
ABNShort answer
PCBU contact and phoneShort answer
ProjectShort answer
Fills in from the project name
Workplace*Short answer
Fills in from the site, when the form is opened for a space or a product
Workplace addressShort answer
Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
Work location (GPS)Short answer
Mark the work area so workers and the principal contractor can find it.
Work activity*Short answer
Scope of the workNotes
Start date*Date
Supervisor*Short answer
Supervisor phoneShort answer
Is this part of a construction project with a principal contractor?Yes or No
Under the model WHS Regulations, a construction project is one where the cost of the construction work is $250,000 or more. In WA it is 5 or more people working at the same time; in Victoria the principal contractor duties apply from $350,000.
Principal contractorShort answer
Shown when “Is this part of a construction project with a principal contractor?” is Yes
Principal contractor contactShort answer
Shown when “Is this part of a construction project with a principal contractor?” is Yes
GuidanceWhat a SWMS is. Safe Work Australia describes a SWMS as a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks. A PCBU whose work includes high risk construction work must make sure a SWMS is prepared before that work starts (WHS Regulations, reg 299).

High risk construction work

Which high risk construction work does this job include? Tick every one that applies.Tick all that apply
- Involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- Is carried out on a telecommunication tower
- Involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure
- Involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos
- Involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
- Is carried out in or near a confined space
- Is carried out in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel
- Involves the use of explosives
- Is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution 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 that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians
- Is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant
- Is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature
- Is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning
- Involves diving work
- None of these
GuidanceNone of the types of high risk construction work is ticked, so the WHS Regulations do not require a SWMS for this job. The PCBU must still eliminate or minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and this form can still be used to plan the work and brief the crew.
Shown when “Which high risk construction work does this job include? Tick every one that applies.” includes “none”
CheckSWMS required. The work ticked above is high risk construction work. A SWMS must be prepared before the work starts, and the work must be carried out in line with it (WHS Regulations, regs 299 and 300).
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Types of high risk construction workWorked out by the form
GuidanceModel WHS Regulations. Regulation 291 lists the 18 types of high risk construction work, and regulation 299 requires a SWMS before that work starts. Every state and territory except Victoria uses the model laws; Victoria's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 list 19 types (trench or shaft and tunnel separately) and have a similar SWMS duty in regulation 327.

Work steps, hazards and controls

GuidanceList the tasks in the order they are done. A SWMS must identify the high risk construction work, specify its hazards and risks, describe the measures to control the risks, and describe how those measures will be implemented, monitored and reviewed (reg 299(2)). Name the actual control: Safe Work Australia's code says a line like "use appropriate PPE" does not describe a control measure.
Work steps
Repeat for each step. Each one asks:
- Work step*Short answer
- Hazards and risks*Notes
- PhotosPhotos
- Risk before controlsChoose one
  - Low
  - Medium
  - High
  - Extreme
- Kinds of control usedTick all that apply
  The hierarchy of control: eliminate first; if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise.
  - Eliminate the risk
  - Substitute with something safer
  - Isolate the hazard from people
  - Engineering control
  - Administrative control (procedure, permit, training, signage)
  - Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Control measures, and how they are put in place*Notes
- PPE onlyWorked out by the form
- CheckOnly PPE is ticked. PPE is at the bottom of the hierarchy of control. Look again for a way to eliminate, substitute, isolate or engineer out the risk, or record why that is not reasonably practicable.
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Risk with controls in placeChoose one
  - Low
  - Medium
  - High
  - Extreme
- WarningThe risk is still high with these controls. Add controls before this step starts.
  Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Who checks the controls, and how often?*Short answer
- Working height (m)Number
  Optional. Measure it from a photo with a known reference.
- Still highWorked out by the form
Work stepsWorked out by the form
Steps still highWorked out by the form
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Steps relying on PPE aloneWorked out by the form
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
GuidanceThe risk ratings are this form's own guide for ranking the steps. The WHS Regulations do not require a rating.
Walk Cam: site walk-throughWalk Cam video with voice-to-text
Optional. Film a guided walk-through on the SiteSurvey app.

Licences, plant and PPE

Workers
Repeat for each worker. Each one asks:
- Name*Short answer
- CompanyShort answer
- Licences and training heldTick all that apply
  - General construction induction (White Card)
  - Scaffolding licence
  - Rigging licence
  - Dogging licence
  - Crane licence
  - Forklift licence
  - Boom-type EWP licence (boom 11 m or more)
  - Hoist licence
  - Electrical licence
  - Asbestos removal licence
  - Working at heights training
  - Confined space training
  - First aid
  - Traffic control
  - Manufacturer training for the plant
- Licence numbersShort answer
WorkersWorked out by the form
GuidanceA PCBU must not direct or allow a worker to carry out construction work unless they have completed general construction induction training (the White Card) and, if that was more than 2 years ago, have done construction work in the last 2 years (reg 317). High risk work such as scaffolding, dogging, rigging, cranes, forklifts and boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 metres or more needs a high risk work licence (reg 81 and Schedule 3).
Plant and equipmentNotes
Include inspections, registration and pre-start checks.
Will hazardous chemicals be used?Yes or No
Which products? Is the safety data sheet on site?Short answer
Shown when “Will hazardous chemicals be used?” is Yes
PPE requiredTick all that apply
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- High-visibility clothing
- Gloves
- Safety boots
- Respirator (P2 or better)
- Harness and lanyard
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves)
- Face shield
Permits and plansTick all that apply
- None
- Hot work permit
- Confined space entry permit
- Excavation or dig permit (Before You Dig Australia enquiry)
- Electrical isolation
- Working at heights permit
- Traffic management plan
- Client or site permit
Permit numbersShort answer
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Emergency

First aider on site*Short answer
First aid kit locationShort answer
Nearest hospitalShort answer
Emergency numberShort answer
Assembly areaShort answer
Assembly area (GPS)Short answer
Emergency and rescue procedure*Notes
Include rescue from height, a confined space or a trench where that work is ticked.

Consultation and sign-on

Were the workers doing the work consulted in preparing this SWMS?Yes or No
CheckA PCBU must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult workers who are likely to be directly affected, including when identifying hazards and deciding on controls (WHS Act, sections 47 and 49). Safe Work Australia's construction code says workers must be consulted when a SWMS is prepared and when it is reviewed.
Shown when “Were the workers doing the work consulted in preparing this SWMS?” is No
What the workers raisedNotes
Has a copy been given to the principal contractor before the work starts?Yes or No
Shown when “Is this part of a construction project with a principal contractor?” is Yes
WarningGive the principal contractor a copy of the SWMS before the high risk construction work starts.
Shown when “Is this part of a construction project with a principal contractor?” is Yes and “Has a copy been given to the principal contractor before the work starts?” is No
Workers: I have read, or been taken through, this SWMS, I understand it and I will follow it
Repeat for each worker. Each one asks:
- Name*Short answer
- Company or tradeShort answer
- SignatureSignature
Workers signedWorked out by the form
CheckFewer workers have signed than are listed on page 4.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
GuidanceIf high risk construction work is not carried out in line with the SWMS, it must be stopped immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so, and resumed only in line with the SWMS (reg 300). Make sure every worker knows this before work starts.

Review and keeping the SWMS

Points to resolve before work startsWorked out by the form
GuidanceCounted: no work steps; a step still rated high or extreme; workers not consulted; fewer signatures than workers; on a construction project, no copy to the principal contractor.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
GuidanceNothing counted above. The SWMS is ready for the work to start.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Prepared by*Short answer
PositionShort answer
SignatureSignature
Reviewed by (supervisor or principal contractor)Short answer
DateDate
Reviewer signatureSignature
Shown when “Reviewed by (supervisor or principal contractor)” is answered
Review and revise this SWMS whenTick all that apply
- A control measure does not control the risk
- Before a change at the workplace that could bring a new or different risk
- A new hazard or risk is found
- Consultation shows a review is needed
- A health and safety representative asks for a review
GuidanceA SWMS must be reviewed and, as necessary, revised when the control measures are revised under regulation 38, which lists the triggers above (reg 302). Keep a copy until the high risk construction work is finished, or for at least 2 years after a notifiable incident connected with it, readily accessible to the workers and available for inspection (reg 303). Safe Work Australia's code says to keep every version when a SWMS is revised.

See it filled in

A completed SWMS report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

SWMS FAQs

When is a SWMS required?

A SWMS is required for high risk construction work. Regulation 299 of the WHS Regulations says a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) whose work includes high risk construction work must make sure a SWMS is prepared before that work starts. Regulation 291 lists 18 types, among them work with a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres or a tunnel, demolition of load-bearing elements, work likely to disturb asbestos, work on or near energised electrical installations, tilt-up or precast concrete, and work where powered mobile plant is moving. Safe Work Australia says that for all other construction activities a SWMS is not required, though the risks still have to be managed.

Sources: Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), regs 291 and 299 to 303, the model WHS Regulations as made law and Safe Work Australia, Safe work method statement for high risk construction work: information sheet.

What must a SWMS include?

Regulation 299(2) says a SWMS must identify the work that is high risk construction work, specify the hazards relating to it and the risks to health and safety, describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks, and describe how those measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed. It must take account of the circumstances at the workplace and, on a construction project, the WHS management plan, and be set out in a way that is readily accessible and understandable to the people who use it. Safe Work Australia's construction code adds that a line like "use appropriate PPE" does not describe a control measure.

Sources: Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), regs 291 and 299 to 303, the model WHS Regulations as made law and Safe Work Australia, model Code of Practice: Construction work (November 2024), chapter 4 and the SWMS template.

Who prepares the SWMS, and does the principal contractor get a copy?

The PCBU doing the high risk construction work prepares it, or makes sure one has been prepared. Workers likely to be affected must be consulted, so far as is reasonably practicable, when hazards are identified and controls decided (WHS Act, sections 47 and 49), and Safe Work Australia's code says workers must be consulted when a SWMS is prepared and reviewed. On a construction project, regulation 301 says the PCBU must give the principal contractor a copy before the work starts, and regulation 312 says the principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain it. Under the model regulations a construction project is one where the cost of the construction work is $250,000 or more.

Sources: Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), regs 291 and 299 to 303, the model WHS Regulations as made law, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), sections 47 and 49 (consultation) and Safe Work Australia, model Code of Practice: Construction work (November 2024), chapter 4 and the SWMS template.

What happens if the work is not done the way the SWMS says?

Regulation 300 says the PCBU must have arrangements to make sure the work is carried out in line with the SWMS, and if it is not, the work must be stopped immediately or as soon as it is safe to do so, and resumed only in line with the statement. The form reminds the supervisor to tell every worker this at the sign-on.

Source: Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), regs 291 and 299 to 303, the model WHS Regulations as made law.

When must a SWMS be reviewed, and how long is it kept?

Regulation 302 says a SWMS must be reviewed and, as necessary, revised whenever the control measures are revised under regulation 38: for example when a control does not control the risk, before a change at the workplace that could bring a new risk, when a new hazard is found, or when a health and safety representative asks. Regulation 303 says the SWMS must be kept until the high risk construction work is finished, or for at least 2 years after a notifiable incident connected with it, readily accessible to the workers and available for inspection.

Does this SWMS template work in Victoria, WA and the other states?

Every jurisdiction except Victoria has adopted the model WHS laws, including Western Australia since 31 March 2022, so the same SWMS duty applies in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, WA, the ACT, the Northern Territory and for Commonwealth work. Victoria has its own Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, which also require a SWMS for high risk construction work (regulation 327) but list 19 types, with trench or shaft and tunnel separately, and keep the SWMS for the duration of the work. WA counts a construction project by people on site (5 or more at the same time) rather than cost. Check the local regulator's guidance for anything specific to your state.

Sources: Safe Work Australia, which jurisdictions have the model WHS laws, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Vic), Part 5.1, regs 322 to 329 and WorkSafe Victoria, Safe work method statements (SWMS).

Is a SWMS the same as a JSA?

Not quite. A job safety analysis (JSA) breaks any job into steps with hazards and controls, and many Australian sites ask for one, but it is not a document the WHS Regulations require. WorkSafe Victoria notes that risk assessments and JSAs are not required by legislation, though they are useful tools, including for work that is not high risk construction work. A SWMS is the one the law asks for when the work is high risk construction work. For a JSA, use the JHA and JSA template, which follows the same step-by-step format.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria, Safe work method statements (SWMS).

Do workers need a White Card or licence on the SWMS?

The form records them for each worker. A PCBU must not direct or allow a worker to carry out construction work unless they have completed general construction induction training, the White Card, and high risk work such as scaffolding, dogging, rigging, cranes, forklifts and boom-type elevating work platforms with a boom of 11 metres or more needs a high risk work licence. Workers sign on to the SWMS on the phone or tablet, and in the SiteSurvey app it works offline and goes to the principal contractor as a PDF or a link.

Source: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld): reg 81 and Schedule 3 (high risk work licences), reg 317 (White Card).

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