Free SWMS Template (Safe Work Method Statement) for Australian Trades

What a SWMS is, and when you need one

• A SWMS sets out the high risk work being done, the hazards and risks, and the control measures. Safe Work Australia says a SWMS is required for high risk construction work under the WHS Regulations.
• High risk construction work includes work with a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, work in a trench deeper than 1.5 metres, and work that may disturb asbestos. Safe Work Australia publishes the full list.
• A SWMS must be kept and available for inspection until the work is completed. Requirements differ between states and territories, so check your state regulator and your principal contractor's rules.

Not sure whether your job needs a SWMS? Read what a SWMS is and when it's required.

SWMS vs JSA: not the same thing

• Safe Work Australia treats a JSA as generally different from a SWMS. A SWMS is required for high risk construction work. A JSA, also called a JHA, is a safety analysis many businesses use for everyday tasks.
• WorkSafe Victoria says JSAs aren't required by legislation, though many businesses use them.
• A JSA doesn't replace a SWMS where one is required. If you need a JSA as well, there is a free JSA template at the end of this page.

What goes in a SWMS

• The high risk construction work being done, and where
• The hazards and risks of each work step
• The control measures for each risk, and who is responsible for them
• Plant, equipment, hazardous substances and PPE
• Emergency procedures
• A record of worker sign-off, so everyone has read and understood it

Filled-in SWMS example

Example only, not for use as your own SWMS. This is the free template filled in for a gutter and fascia replacement on a single-storey house, a common working at heights job. Click a page to enlarge it.

Your own SWMS must be specific to your job and site, and prepared in consultation with the workers doing the work.

How to fill one in

1. Describe the high risk work, the location and the scope of the job.
2. Tick the high risk construction work and the hazards that apply.
3. List each work step in the order it happens, with its hazards and risks.
4. Write the control measures and who is responsible, and rate the risk before and after the controls.
5. Have everyone on the job read and sign it before work starts.

Build a SWMS online, or get yours into the app

The Shadow Forms SWMS builder is a tool on our website that guides you step by step through creating a SWMS for your job. Enter your email address and you can download it as a PDF.

The PDF is a copy only. To complete it digitally, upload it and we can add it to the app, Shadow Forms branded. If you have your own uniquely branded SWMS, or want this example adjusted to your business, we can do that too. Upload a form, or get in touch.

Need a JSA instead? Try the free JSA template.