Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our safety documents
What is a SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document that sets out the high-risk construction work activities to be carried out, the hazards arising from those activities, and the control measures to be put in place. Under the WHS Regulations 2011 (s.299), a SWMS is required before any high-risk construction work begins.
Do I legally need a SWMS?
Yes, if you're carrying out high-risk construction work as defined in the WHS Regulations 2011. This includes work at heights, in confined spaces, involving demolition, near energised electrical installations, and more. Principal contractors and PCBUs have a duty to ensure a SWMS is in place before high-risk work starts.
What other safety documents do you offer?
In addition to SWMS, we offer a full range of construction safety documents across all 22 trades:
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA) — step-by-step task hazard analysis for daily risk assessment
- Toolbox Talk Records — pre-built safety discussion guides with attendance registers
- Site-Specific Risk Assessments (SSRA) — site-level hazard identification and control checklists
- Site Induction Checklists — worker induction records with signed acknowledgment
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) — step-by-step procedures for consistent, safe task execution
- Emergency Response Procedures — emergency plans with evacuation, first aid, and notification requirements
All documents are delivered in editable Word format and can be tailored to your specific site and project.
Are these documents compliant with Australian WHS legislation?
Our documents are structured around the requirements of the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations 2011 (s.299). Each document references relevant Australian Standards (AS/NZS), applicable Codes of Practice, and uses a 5×5 risk matrix with the hierarchy of controls framework. They are templates that must be reviewed and adapted to your specific site conditions.
Can I edit the documents?
Yes. All documents are delivered in Microsoft Word (.docx) format. You can add your company logo, update site-specific details, modify hazards and controls for your particular job, and print or share digitally. We pre-fill your business name, ABN, and site address during checkout.
Will principal contractors accept these documents?
Our SWMS documents include all the elements required by the WHS Regulations: activity descriptions, hazard identification, risk assessment with a 5×5 matrix, control measures following the hierarchy of controls, PPE requirements with AS/NZS references, emergency procedures, and worker sign-off sections. Our other documents — JSA, Toolbox Talks, Risk Assessments, Inductions, SOPs, and Emergency Procedures — follow industry-standard formats that principal contractors expect. You should always review and tailor each document to your specific site before submitting.
How quickly will I receive my documents?
Instantly. After payment through Stripe, your documents are generated and available for immediate download. You'll also receive an email with a download link that remains active so you can access them later.
What's the difference between buying a pack and individual documents?
A trade pack includes every document of that type for your trade at a discounted price. Buying individually lets you pick only the specific documents you need. If you need most or all documents for your trade, the pack offers better value.
Can I use these documents across multiple sites?
Yes. Once purchased, you can use and adapt your documents for as many sites as you need. Each site should have its own version with site-specific details filled in — the editable Word format makes this straightforward.
What trades do you cover?
We offer safety documents across 22 construction trades including: Carpentry, Concreting, Bricklaying & Masonry, Scaffolding, Demolition, Civil Works, Painting, Plastering, Flooring, Tiling, Glazing, Insulation, Waterproofing, Electrical/HVAC/Solar, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Roofing, Welding & Hot Work, Landscaping, Fencing, Signage & Line Marking, and Swimming Pool Construction. Each trade has SWMS, JSA, Toolbox Talks, Risk Assessments, Inductions, SOPs, and Emergency Procedures available.
Do these documents comply with my state or territory's legislation?
Our documents are structured around the national model WHS framework adopted across most of Australia. Compliance varies by state:
| State / Territory | Legislation | SWMS Provision | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) | s.299 | ✓ Fully aligned |
| QLD | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) | s.299 | ✓ Fully aligned. Note: electrical work also falls under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld) |
| ACT | Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT) | s.299 | ✓ Fully aligned |
| NT | Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT) | Reg 299 | ✓ Fully aligned |
| SA | Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) | s.299 | ⚠ Act year is 2012 (not 2011) — content requirements identical. Note: SA's fall height threshold is currently 3 m (changing to 2 m on 1 July 2026) |
| TAS | Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas) | s.299 | ⚠ Act year is 2012 (not 2011) — content requirements identical |
| WA | Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) | Reg 299 | ⚠ WA adopted model WHS in 2022. Same section numbering (Reg 299) but the Act name and year differ — review legislative references before submitting to a WA principal contractor |
| VIC | Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) & OHS Regulations 2017 | Reg 327 | ⚠ Victoria uses entirely separate legislation. SWMS content requirements are substantively equivalent, but our documents cite the national WHS framework, not the OHS Act 2004. Victorian users should review legislative references and update them to cite the OHS Act 2004 (Vic) and OHS Regulations 2017 Reg 327 before submitting |
All documents are delivered in fully editable Word format so you can update legislative references to match your state. If you need assistance, contact us.
Do you offer refunds?
Because our documents are digital products delivered instantly, we generally cannot offer refunds once documents have been downloaded. If you experience a technical issue or receive the wrong documents, please contact us and we'll resolve it promptly.
Are these documents legal advice?
No. Our safety documents are professionally structured templates based on Australian WHS/OHS legislation requirements. They are not legal advice. You are responsible for reviewing each document, adapting it to your specific site conditions, and ensuring it meets your obligations under the applicable legislation in your state or territory. See our state-by-state breakdown for details.
Still have questions? Get in touch and we'll get back to you.
Last updated: March 2026