Safe Work Method Statements for Every Trade
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement under WHS Regulations for any high-risk construction work in Australia. It identifies hazards, assesses risks using a 5×5 matrix, and sets out control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Our SWMS documents reference specific WHS Regulation clauses and AS/NZS standards for every piece of PPE, giving you audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulator requirements in every state and territory.
Choose Your Trade
Select your trade to view SWMS documents and pricing
Carpentry
Framing, formwork, trusses, decking, fit-out, and heights
Concreting
Formwork, pouring, finishing, post-tensioning, and tilt-up/precast
Bricklaying & Masonry
Brick and block laying, stone work, retaining walls, and lintels
Scaffolding & Access
Scaffold erection and dismantling, working platforms, and edge protection
Demolition
Residential, commercial, asbestos, excavation, and hazmat removal
Civil Works
Road works, drainage, kerbing, stormwater, and earthmoving
Painting
Interior, exterior, lead paint, spray painting, and heights
Plastering
Plasterboard, fire-rated systems, rendering, and wet areas
Flooring
Timber, carpet, vinyl, concrete grinding, and epoxy coatings
Tiling
Floor tiling, wall tiling, wet area tiling, and large-format tiles
Glazing
Window and door glass installation, curtain walling, and skylights
Insulation
Thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, sarking, and wall wrapping
Waterproofing
Membrane application, wet area waterproofing, balcony, and roof membranes
Electrical / HVAC / Solar
Electrical rough-in, switchboards, solar, AC, ventilation, and cabling
Plumbing
Hot water, drainage, gas fitting, confined spaces, and excavation
Fire Protection
Fire services, sprinkler systems, fire door installation, and detection
Roofing
Roof tiling, sheeting, restoration, gutters, and height safety
Welding & Hot Work
Arc welding, gas cutting, grinding, brazing, and hot work permits
Landscaping
Earthworks, retaining walls, irrigation, paving, and tree work
Fencing
Timber, metal, and glass fencing, post hole boring, and pool fencing
Signage & Line Marking
Traffic management, road signage, car park marking, and wayfinding
Swimming Pool Construction
Pool excavation, steel fixing, plumbing, tiling, and pool fencing
Site-Ready in 3 Steps
Safe Work Method Statements — Common Questions
When is a SWMS legally required?
Under WHS Regulation 299, a SWMS must be prepared before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. This includes work at heights, demolition, work near energised electrical, excavation over 1.5m, and 18 other defined activities.
What should a SWMS include?
A compliant SWMS must identify the high-risk work, list hazards and risks, describe control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and be signed by the workers involved. Our documents include all required elements plus specific legislation references.
Who needs to sign a SWMS?
The PCBU (or employer in Victoria) who commissions the work, and every worker carrying out the high-risk construction work, must sign the SWMS before work begins.
Can I edit these SWMS documents?
Yes. Every SWMS is delivered in editable Microsoft Word (.docx) format. Your business name, ABN, and site address are pre-filled automatically.
Are these SWMS compliant in all Australian states?
Yes. Documents are generated with state-specific legislation references. Victoria uses OHS Act 2004 / OHS Regulations 2017, WA uses WHS Act 2020, and all other states use harmonised WHS Act 2011.
Audited Against Australian WHS/OHS Legislation
Every document is internally audited against national WHS/OHS legislation and relevant AS/NZS standards to ensure legislative alignment. Found something that needs updating? Let us know and we'll fix it at no cost.